With Optima Aéro, he started recycling helicopter parts. With the ambition of contributing to the reduction of C02 production by the aeronautical sector. Since then, he has established himself as one of the leaders in this booming industry. After first approaching North America, he decided to move on to a second phase of development.
Europe and Africa
The Optima Aéro Europe Afrique branch was created in March 2022 and temporarily opened its first office in April in Labenne, in the south of the Landes, while finalizing the lease of a space more suitable for its business in Anglet. “In the end, we really want to settle down, like we did in Montreal. With premises built according to the new environmental standards, with a vegetable garden on the roof, and respect for our employees. We want to help change the hitherto rather conservative paradigm of the aviation world, ”says Toby Gauld.
Céline Marchal who, after twenty years in Safran, believed in the Optima Aéro project and is responsible for the general management of the Europe-Africa branch, supervises, with Mathieu Caumont, head of logistics and Céline Pasqualetto, administrative manager, to supervise the move to the new premises. Computers and phones aren’t installed yet, but the helicopter parts are already there. In the storage room, several engines, already overhauled, await departure and a wooden crate, several meters long, which houses the helicopter blades, awaits to be emptied.
Contract with Airbus
“We have just signed an important contract with Airbus Helicopter, welcomes Céline Marchal. We also have long-term partnership agreements with several major European helicopter operators, in Germany, Spain and France, for Airbus, Bell and Leonardo helicopters, the main European producers. “
Optima Aéro buys used helicopters, reconditions all parts and puts them back on the market at prices significantly lower than new ones. “A new engine can cost two million euros. We resell it after the restoration, half of this price ”, confides Céline Marchal. In a context of shortage and problem of supplies of raw materials, logistics and manpower for the production of new aircraft, Optima Aéro is aiming for rapid development on the European and African markets. “We can say from our customers that they buy helicopters or parts whose carbon footprint is much lower than new ones,” says Céline Marchal in turn.
Green certificate
Next week, Optima Aero will be at the International Air Show in Cologne, Germany. Toby Gault and Céline Marchal will present the Green Certificate, which the Canadian company issues to each piece sold to indicate the CO 2 emission reduction rate that allows the use of a second-hand piece, while presenting all the necessary guarantees of reliability and safety.
Optima aéro Europe is also in the process of obtaining PART 145 approval, which will allow most of the helicopters to be dismantled on its own. This means setting up a rigorous quality process and having a specialized technical director and mechanics.
