Aerostar Completes 1st Romanian Black Hawk Routine Maintenance Inspection

Aerostar, a leading Lockheed Martin authorized maintenance, overhaul, and repair (MRO) center, has successfully completed the first Phase Maintenance Inspection (PMI) of a Black Hawk® helicopter for Romania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI). The inspection, which was completed ahead of schedule, highlights Aerostar's skilled workforce, commitment to quality and dedication to supporting the Romanian MAI’s helicopter operations.

Before Aerostar became a Lockheed Martin authorized Black Hawk support center, operators would be required to perform these inspections at their own base. Now, with Aerostar providing the service, operators can focus on daily maintenance and operation, resulting in an increase in overall aircraft availability.

“Aerostar is committed to delivering exceptional services and supporting the growth of Romania's aerospace industry, with the creation and support of highly skilled Romanian jobs,” said Chief Executive Officer of Aerostar, Alexandru Filip. “Our team's expertise and dedication have enabled us to complete this inspection ahead of schedule, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Sikorsky and other partners in the region.”

The completion of this first aircraft marks a milestone for Aerostar, which started work on the second aircraft earlier this month. The MAI’s fleet is responsible for missions including maritime and land search and rescue, firefighting, transport, and medical emergency support.

“Sikorsky is pleased to see the success of the first Black Hawk maintenance at Aerostar,” said Lockheed Martin Vice President and Chief Executive Europe Dr. Dennis Goege. “By minimizing downtime and maximizing aircraft availability, Aerostar is ensuring Romanian aviators are ready for the next mission in support of Romanian security, public safety and disaster response.”

Sikorsky’s S-70M Black Hawk helicopter is designed to demanding military standards and is a multi-use platform ideally suited to perform the long-range and high-altitude missions required by the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

In 2024, Sikorsky was awarded a contract to deliver an additional Black Hawk helicopter for Romanian emergency and firefighting services which will bring the Ministry’s fleet to eight aircraft. The aircraft are manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s PZL Mielec facility in Poland and they play an important role in supporting both civil and defense needs in Europe and around the world.