Helicopter Alliance, March 11, 2026 - Helicopter Alliance has signed a five-year framework agreement with SAF Aerogroup for 10 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. Four UH-60L helicopters have been ordered from Helicopter Alliance’s subsidiary Ace Aeronautics, with deliveries beginning in Q4 2026.
Starlite Aviation will begin operations for firefighting missions in partnership with Heli Company, a part of Helicopter Alliance, beginning summer of 2026.
Black Hawks are being exported globally to meet growing demand for dependable, multi-mission rotorcraft in challenging environments. Since the launch of the Black Hawk Exchange Sales and Transaction (BEST) program, the U.S. Army has divested more than 400 UH-60s, many of which have been modernized into aerial firefighting platforms capable of using Bambi buckets or internal tanks holding over 4,000 liters per drop.
Thibault Nicodeme, Co-CEO, SAF Aerogroup, said “We have been impressed by the performances, and the competitivity of the UH-60 platform. This program will allow SAF Aerogroup to address the increased demand for firefighting helicopters in Europe and around the Mediterranean Sea, for which easy access to second hand aircraft, as well as efficient support, is of utmost importance”
“This partnership represents a tremendous opportunity for Starlite Aviation, and we are enthusiastic about what lies ahead,” said Bruce Fraser, co-managing director and accountable manager operations, Starlite Aviation. Operating the UH-60 Black Hawk across the demanding and austere environments that define our specialty is exactly the kind of mission-critical work we were built for.”
Ales Kvidera, CEO of Helicopter Alliance, said “We are proud that SAF Aerogroup has selected the UH-60 Black Hawk. With proven durability and modern firefighting capabilities, these aircraft provide operators like Starlite a cost-effective, mission-ready solution—capable of rapid response, heavy water delivery, and multi-role flexibility. As fire seasons intensify worldwide, our focus remains on delivering reliable platforms through our Sikorsky Approved Service Center, Ace Aeronautics, and comprehensive support via our Slovakian entity, Heli Company.”
This collaboration reinforces Helicopter Alliance’s position as a trusted, end to end UH 60 Black Hawk partner for aerial firefighting missions. Together, the partners are strengthening global response capacity by delivering rapid, reliable, and operationally ready support to communities and governments in urgent operational circumstances.
Starlite Aviation will begin operations for firefighting missions in partnership with Heli Company, a part of Helicopter Alliance, beginning summer of 2026.
Black Hawks are being exported globally to meet growing demand for dependable, multi-mission rotorcraft in challenging environments. Since the launch of the Black Hawk Exchange Sales and Transaction (BEST) program, the U.S. Army has divested more than 400 UH-60s, many of which have been modernized into aerial firefighting platforms capable of using Bambi buckets or internal tanks holding over 4,000 liters per drop.
Thibault Nicodeme, Co-CEO, SAF Aerogroup, said “We have been impressed by the performances, and the competitivity of the UH-60 platform. This program will allow SAF Aerogroup to address the increased demand for firefighting helicopters in Europe and around the Mediterranean Sea, for which easy access to second hand aircraft, as well as efficient support, is of utmost importance”
“This partnership represents a tremendous opportunity for Starlite Aviation, and we are enthusiastic about what lies ahead,” said Bruce Fraser, co-managing director and accountable manager operations, Starlite Aviation. Operating the UH-60 Black Hawk across the demanding and austere environments that define our specialty is exactly the kind of mission-critical work we were built for.”
Ales Kvidera, CEO of Helicopter Alliance, said “We are proud that SAF Aerogroup has selected the UH-60 Black Hawk. With proven durability and modern firefighting capabilities, these aircraft provide operators like Starlite a cost-effective, mission-ready solution—capable of rapid response, heavy water delivery, and multi-role flexibility. As fire seasons intensify worldwide, our focus remains on delivering reliable platforms through our Sikorsky Approved Service Center, Ace Aeronautics, and comprehensive support via our Slovakian entity, Heli Company.”
This collaboration reinforces Helicopter Alliance’s position as a trusted, end to end UH 60 Black Hawk partner for aerial firefighting missions. Together, the partners are strengthening global response capacity by delivering rapid, reliable, and operationally ready support to communities and governments in urgent operational circumstances.
See also |
Commercial UH-60 in
Helicopter Alliance 
Ace Aeronautics State of Alabama Commercial UH-60 in
Starlite Helicopters 
Heli Company Slovak Training Academy 
