Starlite Aviation

30/04/2026

Keeping a true workhorse mission-ready

ZT-RCF, our AS332L Super Puma and a trusted WFP workhorse, has just completed yet another 500-hour inspection, expertly handled by the team at AERO SUPPORT FORCE.

What makes this one special?
It’s the second 500-hour servicing in just 12 months… a real reflection of how hard this aircraft is working in the field.

Behind every hour flown is a team ensuring she stays safe, reliable, and ready for the next mission.

A great achievement for everyone involved, and a reminder that in this line of work, performance is built on consistency.

Onwards and back to work...

SAF Aerogroup | AERO SUPPORT FORCE

For operational support and partnership enquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +27 31 571 6600
Website: www.starliteaviation.com

17/04/2026

Giving Back to History

One such symbol of that legacy is the SAA330 Puma helicopter, an aircraft with a rich and meaningful journey.

Originally acquired from the South African Air Force many years ago, the SAA330 Puma helicopter became part of Starlite Aviation, standing proudly at the gate to Starlite Maintenance Johannesburg, where it took on a new and important role in shaping the next generation of aviation professionals. Our apprentices took on the task of assembling the aircraft themselves, even applying its white paint. Through their work, the SAA330 Puma helicopter was brought back to life, not for flight, but as a symbol of learning, growth, and the passing on of knowledge. This then became a display piece, which was the first thing visitors saw when entering our Heidelberg facility, which later rebranded to Aero Support Force Africa.

Now, as Starlite Aviation continues restructuring to become more efficient, the Heidelberg facility will unfortunately be closing down at the end of 2026, and we no longer have space to keep such a rich part of South Africa’s history. It is with a sense of pride, responsibility, and a warm feeling in our hearts, that we have chosen to donate the helicopter to Springs Mine and Military Museum, allowing many more people the opportunity to see and experience a helicopter of this scale and significance.

In doing so, a piece of our history returns to the public, where it can continue to inspire.

Full article: https://www.citizen.co.za/springs-advertiser/news-headlines/2026/04/17/historic-aircraft-on-display/

15/04/2026

15/04/2026

On the move and ready for what’s next.

After wrapping up a successful season in Chile, RYD is already en route to Lille, France, gearing up for the upcoming firefighting season in Turkey together with RYC.

New terrain, new challenges, same commitment.
Our teams are preparing, positioning, and getting our Super Pumas mission-ready to support where it matters most.

This is what Starlite does best, staying agile, moving fast, and delivering when the next call comes.

Turkey, we’re ready.

If you’re looking for a proven aerial firefighting partner, let’s connect.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +27 31 571 6600
Website: www.starliteaviation.com

08/04/2026

We’re proud to share the successful handover of a brand new R66 helicopter, facilitated through Starlite Aero Sales.

From procurement with Robinson Helicopter Company, to international shipping, arrival at our Aero Support Force facility in Durban, re-assembly, and final branding, this project reflects our ability to deliver a seamless, end-to-end solution for our clients.

This milestone highlights the strength of collaboration between Starlite Aero Sales and Aero Support Force, ensuring that every aircraft is delivered to the highest standards of quality, safety, and operational readiness.

Most importantly, we’re proud to have handed over the aircraft to a very satisfied client, ready to take to the skies.

A big thank you to our dedicated teams for their professionalism, precision, and commitment in bringing this project to life.

Ready to take the next step in helicopter ownership? Let’s talk.
M: +27 79 498 5692
Tel: +27 31 571 6600
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.starliteaviation.com/aerosales/

27/03/2026

Mission complete.

With the Chile firefighting season now complete, our focus turns to what’s ahead.

For operational support and partnership enquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +27 31 571 6600
Website: www.starliteaviation.com

16/03/2026

We’re proud to announce that Starlite Aero Sales has been awarded the 2026 Topaz Service Center Certificate by Robinson Helicopter Company.

This recognition confirms that Starlite Aero Sales has met all specified requirements to support the R22, R44, and R66 helicopter fleet, reflecting our ongoing commitment to technical excellence, safety, and world-class maintenance standards.

Achieving Topaz Service Center status highlights the dedication, expertise, and professionalism of our team, who continue to deliver reliable support to operators across the regions we serve.

A sincere thank you to our entire team for their hard work and commitment in making this achievement possible.

AERO SUPPORT FORCE | SAF Aerogroup

12/03/2026

Helicopter Alliance Announces Five Year Framework Agreement with SAF Aerogroup

At VERTICON (formerly HAI HELI-EXPO) 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia, Helicopter Alliance signed a five (5) year Framework Agreement with SAF Aerogroup for ten UH 60 Black Hawk helicopters, marking an important milestone in the continued expansion of aerial firefighting capability in Europe and the Mediterranean region.

As part of the agreement, four (4) UH 60L helicopters have already been ordered from Helicopter Alliance subsidiary Ace Aeronautics, LLC, with deliveries set to begin in Q4 2026. In parallel, Starlite Aviation will begin firefighting operations in summer 2026 in partnership with HELI COMPANY, further reinforcing the operational deployment of the Black Hawk platform in demanding mission environments.

As Aleš Kvídera, CEO of Helicopter Alliance, stated: “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.”

This agreement further strengthens Helicopter Alliance’s position as a trusted end to end UH 60 Black Hawk partner, delivering comprehensive support across acquisition, modernization, training, sustainment, and operational readiness.

Full press release & Original Article
Link: https://helicopter-alliance.com/news
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7437774064766693376/
Link: https://www.helis.com/database/news/saf-group-starlite-black-hawk/

06/03/2026

Safety Is Not a Choice, It’s a Responsibility.

Safety is the very foundation upon which every mission is built. It is absolutely essential for aviation organizations. In fact, it is the backbone of the entire industry

At Starlite Aviation, safety is embraced as a shared responsibility that extends across all levels of the organization. From pilots and engineers to operations and support teams, each individual plays a vital role in ensuring that the highest standards of aviation safety are consistently upheld.

This responsibility goes beyond compliance with rules. It is about fostering a proactive culture of risk awareness, strict adherence to procedures, and empowering every team member to identify and report potential hazards. True aviation safety requires collective accountability, continuous learning, and the courage to speak up when something doesn’t look right.

Whether supporting humanitarian missions, conducting medevac operations, engaging in aerial firefighting, or performing complex utility work, Starlite Aviation ensures that safety remains the guiding principle. Every decision, every procedure, and every mission begins with safety, because in aviation, safety is not a choice, it is a responsibility.

Our Starlite safety logo emphasizes: Safety Remains our First Value.

For operational support and partnership enquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +27 31 571 6600
Website: www.starliteaviation.com

03/03/2026

Our dedicated AME team plays a critical role in ensuring our Beechcraft 200 remains mission-ready for our medical standby contract with EDA.

From meticulous inspections to proactive maintenance, their expertise and commitment to safety keep our aircraft performing at the highest standards, no matter the location or austere conditions.