Airbus has inked a deal with PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia Tbk (GMF Aero Asia), specifically for Defense Industry Standard Cost (SBU). One of the agreements is to retrofit five Super Puma AS332 helicopters owned by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU). Airbus will provide expertise and technical support to this Indonesian maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) service provider in terms of designing, manufacturing, and installing retrofit solutions. The agreement was signed by GMF CEO Andi Fahrurrozi and Airbus Helicopters Head of Asia-Pacific, Vincent Dubrule, during the Singapore Airshow. Under this agreement, Indonesian Air Force’s AS332 fleet will undergo a mid-life upgrade. GMF will leverage Airbus technology to provide retrofit solutions, including installing a fully glass cockpit equipped with advanced autopilot systems.
“Airbus has been supporting Indonesia’s military helicopters for over four decades. We are pleased to expand our support to GMF to provide the best upgrade solutions for TNI AU to enhance the operational lifespan of the Super Puma fleet,” said Vincent Dubrule in an official statement on Wednesday (2/21).
“This strategic collaboration is a crucial step for GMF to enhance the defense industry. GMF’s defense sector has experienced rapid and vital development in the company’s financial recovery. We hope to leverage Airbus’ technical capabilities to strengthen GMF’s position as a key player in the global aerospace landscape,” said Andi Fahrurrozi.
The Airbus Helicopters H215 (formerly Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma) is a four-bladed, twin-engined, medium-sized, utility helicopter developed and initially produced by French aerospace company Aérospatiale. It has been subsequently manufactured by the successor companies Eurocopter and Airbus Helicopters. The Super Puma quickly proved itself to be a commercial success for both military and civil customers. Indonesia also became a prominent nation for the Super Puma, with the state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia securing a license to produce it locally. In the civilian sector, it has been heavily used to support offshore oil rigs and aerial firefighting operations. Since 1990, Super Pumas in military service have been marketed under the AS532 Cougar designation.
Airbus and GMF have a longstanding partnership and have collaborated through long-term maintenance training service agreements supporting Airbus aircraft maintenance training needs conducted in Indonesia and surrounding regions. This partnership, which has been in place since 2013, has now been extended until 2028, covering aspects such as Development Instructor Type Training and Special Training Engine Run Up for A320 and A330, Airbus Competence Training “ACT” Classroom for A320 & A330, Annual Quality Audit for GMF Training Center, Airbus Proficiency Checks for GMF instructors, Certificate for Trainees under EASA/Manufacture Airbus Approval, and Revenue Sharing as a Remote Airbus Maintenance Organization.
