Safran Helicopter Engines, a subsidiary of Paris-based Safran Group, has appointed Lopez-controlled INAEC Aviation Corporation (INAEC) as its network partner, authorizing INAEC to provide engine maintenance support to the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police.
Formerly known as Turbomeca, Safran Helicopter Engines is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 75,000 engines produced since being founded. It offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts in the world for civilian and military helicopters and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries.
The partnership discussions between INAEC and Safran Helicopter Engines began in March 2024, when INAEC played a key role in facilitating a Support-By-The-Hour (SBH®) agreement between one of its clients and Safran Helicopter Engines. The success of that collaboration highlighted INAEC’s aircraft maintenance and commercial capabilities, laying the groundwork for a formal partnership.
Following a thorough due diligence review, the partnership contract between Safran Helicopter Engines and INAEC was finalized and signed in May 2025. A subsequent qualification audit further validated INAEC’s readiness for this partnership. “INAEC’s successful qualification demonstrates the alignment of its values with those of Safran. Their culture of safety and industrial best practices will contribute to our global network to further enhance the quality of support we provide to our customers.” said See Kah Meng, front office director of Safran Helicopter Engines Asia.
“For more than two decades, INAEC has relied on the proven reliability of Safran engines to support our operations. As a Safran Helicopter Engines network partner, INAEC aims to strengthen Safran’s network in the Philippines and ensure our nation’s air assets operate at the highest standards of safety and efficiency in fulfilling their critical missions,” said INAEC General Manager Aldi Dexter P. Ampong.
