ERA V AIRBUS

Brief

Era Group, Inc. (Era) is one of the largest helicopter transport operators in the world and the longest-serving helicopter transport operator in the US. Era uses its helicopters primarily in the Oil & Gas industry.

Between 2006 and 2012, Era purchased eleven model H225 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters, S.A.S. (Airbus). Era allegedly based its purchasing decision on Airbus’ representations that the helicopters were safe and reliable.

Between 2009 and 2016, a series of H225 crashes led to international investigations regarding potential defects in H225 helicopters. Many countries banned all operators from flying H225 aircraft until the potential defects could be understood and resolved. Further, some industry personnel refused to pilot the aircraft, referring to them as “flying coffins.” Owners of H225 helicopters were left unable to use these assets.

What we did

HKA was retained by Era’s counsel to provide expert analysis and opinions regarding the financial impact to Era of the defects in H225 helicopters.  HKA separately quantified Era’s damages based on different assumptions and legal theories (e.g., fraud and fraudulent inducement, breach of warranty, unjust enrichment).

HKA authored two expert reports: one affirmative report quantifying Era’s damages, and a second report to rebut the report of the expert retained by Airbus.

Outcomes

The matter settled after expert reports and depositions for a confidential amount.