One of the Sikorsky S-76B Spirit belonging to the Argentine Air Force and used for the transfer of the President of the Republic, identified with the registration number H-03, could be seen yesterday at the FAdeA facilities with the new paint scheme that will be common to all aircraft of the Presidential Air Group.
The S-76B entered the AAP in 1995 with the helicopter registered H-02 during the presidency of Carlos Menem with the purpose of having a backup of the Sikorsky S-70 H-01 in case of a possible scheduled maintenance.
The second S-76B, manufactured in 1990, was incorporated during the presidency of Cristina F. de Kirchner with the registration N760S in 2007, through a contract with an American lessor. Then, in 2009 it became part of the Presidential Group, changing its designation to H-03.
Since its arrival in Argentina, this S-76B only wore two liveries. In 2007 it arrived in the country with a totally white fuselage and wavy gray and red stripes. Finally, in 2009 it was presented with the official colors of the presidential group: light blue, white and the Argentine shield.
The H-03 has been in FAdeA since 06/24/2020, for inspection work, interior reupholstery and painting. The news is that we were able to get the first look at the new livery that will be applied to the aircraft of the Presidential Air Group.
Key informants shared with Aviacionline some time ago that Casa Rosada was looking to give a new image to the Presidential Air Group. For which 3 new life schemes were designed and represented in mockups of the Tango 01, the presidential Boeing 757.
Obviously, the choice has already been made and the H-03 displays the new livery that will be carried by all the aircraft of the Presidential Fleet, with a light blue in most of the fuselage and a white center with a gold stripe.
It is expected that during the coming week the H-01 will arrive at FAdeA for the same works as the H-03.
We were also anticipated that the Tango-01, after interior reconditioning work was carried out, would be close to arriving at FAdeA for inspection and painting work, which should include the new scheme chosen by the Presidency.
Paint jobs are part of the scheduled maintenance of each aircraft, according to each manufacturer. Taking into account that the Presidential Association has not undergone major revisions for a long time, this renewal of image is understandable.
