Airbus Helicopters subsidiary Helibras has reinforced its support network for the fleet of about 90 Airbus helicopters supporting the 2016 Olympics in Rio and five cities hosting soccer games. The 2016 Games open on Friday in Rio.
Brazilian armed forces, as well as state police and fire departments, will use the Helibras helicopters for airspace defense, transporting security personnel and aeromedical evacuation during the event, with the city of Rio providing an EC135 and an AS365 for official VIP transport. Seven specially-equipped civilian Ecureuils will also provide aerial images for the media.
Helibras will keep a support team at Rio’s Parque dos Afonsos air force base, as well as client support and logistics managers, four dedicated technical representatives and back office teams between its factory in Itajubá, Minas Gerais, and its logistics center in Atibaia, São Paulo. It has also stocked extra parts, tools and supplies.
Rio's main general aviation airport, Jacarepaguá, is near the Olympic Village and will handle only public safety flights during the Games. Rio's airspace has already been closed to drones, hang gliders and sightseeing flights, which ATC officials note were identified as one of the highest security risks during the Olympics. Heads of state began arriving yesterday for Friday’s opening ceremony. In fact, the Prince of Monaco was among the first dignitaries arriving yesterday, flying into Rio’s Galeao air base aboard a Dassault Falcon 7X.