In early October 2025, heavy-lift specialist Sarens completed a challenging helicopter operation in the heart of Paris, supporting its client with the installation of four industrial air heaters atop the French National Library.
The operation unfolded in the city’s 13th arrondissement, where urban congestion and strict safety regulations posed significant logistical hurdles. Each unit weighed approximately 4.2 tonnes, requiring meticulous coordination from ground to air.
Coordinating Complexity in the Capital
Rather than simply performing the lift, Sarens took charge of the full project cycle. The company managed equipment storage and reloading at its Paris depot before arranging an exceptional convoy transport through the city streets. On-site, a Liebherr LTM 1060 mobile crane handled the ground unloading and flight preparations, while traffic redirection and site demarcation were overseen by a 30-person field team.
To meet safety standards, the lifting relied on specialized slings tailored for aerial transport. The actual hoisting was executed by SAF Helicopter using a Super Puma, a model known for its precision in urban lifting operations. The collaboration between Sarens, SAF Helicopter, and local authorities ensured the work was carried out with minimal disruption to surrounding areas.
Precision, Safety, and Teamwork
The project demonstrated Sarens Paris’ integrated capabilities—merging engineering expertise, logistics, and heavy lifting under one operation. The company emphasized that maintaining coordination between air and ground crews was key to the operation’s success.
According to project representatives, the effort underscored the importance of communication and planning when handling complex lifts in densely populated environments. Each step, from convoy movement to final positioning, demanded precision timing and technical accuracy.
