Offshore

Helicopter Offshore operations

Leonardo: SonAir orders two AW139 helicopters to strengthen energy industry support operations in Angola.

Posted by dgualdo on 10/08/2022
Posted in: Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Rome  01 August 2022 15:18

  • Two AW139s plus options, with support and training services, with deliveries expected in 1Q 2023
  • Over the last eight years, Leonardo has been the only manufacturer to expand its presence in the African offshore market, almost doubling the number of its aircraft
  • Over 1,250 AW139s on order in 80 countries by 290 customers across all mission sets 

Leonardo announced today that SonAir Airline Services, S.A. (SonAir), owned by the Angolan national petroleum company Sonangol, has placed an order for two AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters.

The contract includes a comprehensive customer support and training package as well as options for an additional two aircraft. The AW139s will be used to carry out transport operations supporting the national Oil & Gas industry and replacing ageing helicopters, with deliveries expected in 1Q 2023.  

The Angolan and overall African energy market is showing significant potential for Leonardo’s latest generation helicopter models. The African Oil&Gas market is delivering promising signs, considering reserves, and the opportunities for new projects. With over 200 units, the helicopter fleet comprises types from various OEMs supporting the energy industry in Africa which is one of the biggest in the world. Over the last eight years, Leonardo has been the only manufacturer able to expand its presence in the African offshore market, almost doubling the number of aircraft thanks to the AW Family range of models (the AW139, AW189 and, more recently, the AW169) which deliver greater versatility and performance and higher safety standards. With over 60% of the existing offshore helicopter fleet still made of old design types, Leonardo’s state-of-the-art helicopters are well positioned to meet fleet replacement and modernisation programmes among operators in the region.

The world’s most important helicopter programme since its certification in 2004 and the bestselling type in its category, the AW139 has logged orders for over 1,250 units from more than 290 customers in over 80 countries logging in excess of 3.3 million flight hours to date, and it’s the benchmark platform in the energy industry today. The AW139 delivers outstanding capabilities, technology and safety to meet stringent requirements from operators for tasks in harsh conditions to maximise effectiveness. The type features stateof-the-art avionics with advanced navigation and collision avoidance systems to enhance situational awareness and reduce pilots’ workload, unmatched speed, power margins and overall performance, the widest cabin in its category featuring high modularity for rapid reconfiguration, a unique 60+ min run-dry capable main gear box for enhanced reliability and safety and up to 1,000 certified kits.

Leonardo and Falcon Aviation Services sign Letter of Intent to expand the operator’s AW169 fleet to support the energy industry in Africa.

Posted by dgualdo on 15/12/2021
Posted in: Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – 15 December 2021

  • Through the LOI, Falcon Aviation Services would procure two AW169s in offshore configuration
  • Falcon Aviation Services is an established AW169 operator with five aircraft already delivered, becoming the world’s fleet leader with around 2700 flight hours logged to date 
  • More than 290 AW169s, including orders and options, over 130 in service globally and more than 100,000 flight hours achieved to date     

Leonardo and Falcon Aviation Services have announced today the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to procure two latest generation AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopters. The aircraft are intended to further expand the offshore transport capabilities of Falcon Aviation Services for energy transport service opportunities in Africa.

As the global launch operator for the offshore-configured AW169, Falcon Aviation Services already uses a total of five aircraft of this type for offshore and VVIP duties in the UAE and abroad. The first AW169, introduced into service by Falcon Aviation Services, is the fleet leader with around 2,700 flight hours logged to date out of a total of more than 100,000 across a global fleet of over 130 AW169s across all operators. Falcon Aviation is a leading player in the region and a prime partner of Leonardo with its fleet of 14 helicopters, which includes AW169s, five  AW189 super-medium aircraft and four  AW109 Grand/GrandNew light twins. 
 
The introduction of the new generation AW169 and Falcon Aviation Services’ expertise is allowing the organisations served in the market to benefit from a significant leap forward in the level of service and safety, which support the oil and gas industry and transport missions. 
 
A versatile, new generation twin engine light intermediate category helicopter, the 4.6/4.8 tonne AW169 has been designed in response to the growing market demand for an aircraft that delivers high performance, meets all the latest certification standards and has multi-role capabilities. Orders and options for more than 290 AW169 helicopters have been signed around the world to date for a wide range of applications including energy industry support, air ambulance, executive/corporate transport, law enforcement, utility, fire-fighting and government duties. 

Falcon Aviation is a UAE-based leading Oil & Gas player and business aviation services operator. Located at Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen Executive Airport and Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, Falcon Aviation provides a wide range of Operational and Aviation Support Services, which include Oil and Gas Aviation Support, Maintenance Repair & Overhauling (MRO), bespoke Business Jets Charters Services and Helicopter Sightseeing Tours, Fixed Base Operator (FBO), Aircraft Management Services and Continuing Airworthiness Management (CAMO), Heliport Management and Inspection, among others.

Leonardo: AW169’s presence in the energy industry sector grows stronger with Bestfly of Angola order of four helicopters.

Posted by dgualdo on 21/11/2021
Posted in: Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore. Tagged: , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Rome  17 November 2021

  • This contract marks the entry of the AW169 into the African market with the first purchase from a major local operator.
  • Orders and options for nearly 290 AW169 helicopters have been signed by over 90 customers in more than 30 countries around the world to date for a wide range of applications, exceeding 90,000 flight hours.

The Leonardo AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopter further reinforces its global market presence and its success in the energy industry sector with the sale of four aircraft to Bestfly of Angola. This contract marks the entry of the AW169 into the African market with the first purchase from major local operator. 

The introduction of the 4.6/4.8 tonne AW169 is a significant boost to Bestfly’s air operations in Angola. It will be conducting passenger and equipment transport in the energy industry by leveraging latest technology and navigation/mission avionics, latest certification and safety standards, outstanding performance, the largest cabin in its category and a modern maintenance approach.  

“This contract is a great milestone for BestFly in its sustainable growth strategy. We would like to thank Leonardo for its great support in putting this deal together. We are confident the AW169 will be a great addition to our fleet, enhancing the capabilities of our off-shore and on-shore operations. We would like also to thank our customers for their continued support and trust, allowing us to continue to grow stronger in the future” said Bestfly. 

Orders and options for nearly 290 AW169 helicopters have been signed by over 90 customers in more than 30 countries around the world to date for a wide range of applications, including air ambulance, law enforcement, executive/corporate and offshore transport, electronic newsgathering, training, military and utility roles. In the energy industry sector, by supporting oil and gas or wind farm, the AW169 has already proven successful in Europe and the Middle East. More than 130 units have been delivered worldwide and have logged more than 90,000 flight hours. 

Bestfly, is an Angolan company in the aviation market, established in November 2009, customer service is and will always be the paramount objective. Our team comprises with highly experienced individuals, all our operation staff are duly certified, that allows us to create a dynamic and pro-active organization. Our goal is to anticipate any possible problems not allowing them to actually occur. Bestfly senior management team includes an Airline Pilot with over 9000 hours, that flew for the biggest Business Jet operator in world NETJETS, and an Ex-NETJETS Europe customer representative, which enables us to understand and implement the needs of a high demanding market as it is the business aviation. In just two years of operations, Bestfly became the market leader and the most recognized brand in the business aviation handling in Angola, with a market share of close 80%. In ten years Bestfly became the biggest operator in Angola.

Airbus – Derazona to be Asia’s first H160 operator for oil and gas.

Posted by dgualdo on 20/04/2021
Posted in: Airbus Helicopters NEWS, Offshore. Tagged: , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Jakarta, 12 April 2021

Airbus Helicopters has secured an H160 order from Derazona Helicopters in Indonesia, launching this new rotorcraft in the country’s oil and gas sector.

The multi-mission H160 will play an important role in the expansion plans of the Indonesian operator for oil and gas, off-shore, utility and commercial passenger transportation.

“This new order is a timely welcome as our company embarks on a transformation journey to grow our business. We are very impressed by the performance of the H160, and excited at the opportunities that this state-of-the-art helicopter will bring to our operations,” said Ramadi Widyardiono, Business Development Manager of Derazona Helicopters.

“We are greatly honoured by Derazona’s vote of confidence, becoming not just the country’s first H160 operator, but our oil and gas launch customer in the Asia Pacific region,” said Vincent Dubrule, Head of Asia Pacific of Airbus Helicopters. “The H160 is a game-changer, setting new standards for safety, performance, comfort and design. We trust that it will be a valuable asset to our customer as they bolster their operations with this versatile workhorse,” he added.

With 68 patents, the innovative H160 is the world’s most technologically advanced helicopter designed with passenger’s safety and comfort in mind. The design features an unprecedented suite of pilot aids delivered through its Helionix avionics which substantially reduces crew workload and decreases the risk of pilot error.

The aircraft has been designed from the very beginning to comply with the demanding conditions of oil and gas operations. The aircraft’s compact size will be an added advantage to landing on oil platforms. Powered by Safran Helicopter Engines’ latest Arrano engines, the H160 enjoys a 15% reduction in fuel burn, contributing immediately to reducing emissions. The Blue Edge blades and the largest shrouded Fenestron tail rotor ensure low sounds levels and deliver high end performance at the same time.

Designed as a multi-mission helicopter capable of addressing key missions from offshore transportation, private and business aviation, aeromedical services, search and rescue, as well as other public service missions, the inherent flexibility of the H160 will suit all kinds of operations around the world.

CHC Partners with Shell and Leonardo Helicopters To Launch First Global Implementation of H-TAWS.

Posted by dgualdo on 17/03/2021
Posted in: Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – March 16, 2021

CHC Group announces it has partnered with Shell Brasil and Leonardo Helicopters to launch the first global implementation of Leonardo’s Enhanced Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (H-TAWS) on the CHC AW139 fleet operating in Brasil.

IRVING, TX, March 16, 2021— CHC Group—a global leader in helicopter services and maintenance, repair and overhaul provision—announces it has partnered with Shell Brasil and Leonardo Helicopters to launch the first global implementation of Leonardo’s Enhanced Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (H-TAWS) on the CHC AW139 fleet operating in Campos, Brasil for Shell.

Committed to aviation safety leadership, Shell and CHC recognize Leonardo’s innovation forms a key component of the HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model and will be important in reducing one of the largest remaining risks in offshore helicopter operations.

Dave Balevic, CHC CEO, said, “Dedication to safety performance is the foundation of CHC’s flight operations. This partnership with Shell and Leonardo supports that commitment and ensures CHC aircraft are fitted with the best available technological and safety innovations in the industry, allowing our aircrews to deliver our customers the best possible helicopter services during the most demanding missions.”

H-TAWS software and equipment computes in real-time the precise three-dimensional position and velocity of the aircraft in relation to accurate databases of the terrain height and hazardous-obstacle locations. The system allows the pilot to execute immediate changes to the flight trajectory to prevent controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) events in inherently hazardous flight situations.

Gian Piero Cutillo, Leonardo Helicopters Managing Director, said, “We’re excited to mark the introduction of the advanced H-TAWS technology with CHC and Shell. Leonardo is the first OEM offering this new safety enhancement on our AW139 and AW189. This is an essential advancement and enabler for safer flight operations which will greatly benefit the global rotorcraft community. Our continued commitment to safety enhancements of operations is, and will remain, a prime commitment of Leonardo. This effort invested from the outset and the development of this cutting-edge H-TAWS function confirms and marks the Company’s commitment to investing in safety as an integral part of the capabilities our products must deliver for our customers.”

While many aviation authorities advocate wide voluntary adoption of H-TAWS throughout most civilian flight operations, they primarily have required adoption in only two helicopter industry mission segments: Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) and offshore operations.

Shell’s VP Aircraft Tony Cramp stated, “Having supported our partners across the industry for a number of years to develop this capability, I must congratulate Leonardo for being the first to field it and I applaud the safety leadership shown by CHC and Shell Brazil, for what I hope will be the first steps in it becoming a standard fit for all offshore helicopters.”

HeliOffshore CEO, Tim Rolfe added, “Learning from the fixed-wing industry, we know effective warning systems save lives. These systems have already been installed in helicopters, but the collaborative efforts of the offshore industry demonstrate that tailoring the warning system to the offshore environment will deliver crucial safety improvements every day.”

CHC Group Announces Conditional Acquisition of Babcock’s Oil & Gas Aviation Business.

Posted by dgualdo on 15/03/2021
Posted in: HEMS / SAR, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – IRVING, TX, March 11, 2021

CHC Group, LLC, announces that it has entered into a conditional agreement for the acquisition of the Oil and Gas aviation business of Babcock International Group.

CHC Group, LLC, one of the world’s leading helicopter services and maintenance, repair and overhaul providers, announces that it has entered into a conditional agreement for the acquisition of the Oil and Gas aviation business of Babcock International Group, PLC (LSE:BAB).

The business provides offshore oil and gas crew transportation services in the UK, Denmark and Australia. It is headquartered in Aberdeen (UK), employs over 500 people and operates around 30 aircraft across its three locations.

The deal, which is subject to pre-closing conditions, is expected to complete in the second calendar quarter of 2021.  It is intended that CHC will seek clearances for the transaction from antitrust authorities in the UK and Australia, though completion is not conditional upon such clearances being received.

Airbus – Shell selects H160 for operation by PHI in Gulf of Mexico

Posted by dgualdo on 16/02/2021
Posted in: Airbus Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Marignane, 15 February 2021

International energy group Shell has selected leading US offshore helicopter operator PHI to operate four Airbus H160s to service a support contract in the Gulf of Mexico.

The contract marks the entry into the oil and gas market of the H160 with a wealth of design features promising new levels of safety, comfort and schedule reliability in offshore operations.

The three companies – Airbus, PHI and Shell – are cooperating in a unique partnership. In a pioneering move, Airbus will provide one H160 ahead of final deliveries to PHI and Shell for a year-long route-proving programme to enable the operator and the final customer to familiarize themselves with the type’s advanced features and mitigate the normal challenges around entry into service.

At PHI it will be based at Houma, Louisiana and join a large company fleet of H125s and H135s deployed in  emergency medical service throughout the United States, as well as two H145s operating for Shell on pipeline survey work in Louisiana, and two H145s flying the world’s longest harbour pilot shuttle in Mackay, Australia.

Airbus Helicopters Executive Vice President Global Business, Ben Bridge, said: “We greatly appreciate the innovative thinking of our customers in formulating this partnership around the H160 which will begin a new era of safety, reliability and environmental performance in the medium class of offshore operations.”

PHI Aviation Managing Director, Keith Mullett said: “We are proud to be playing a key role in the entry into service of the highly advanced H160 in the offshore sector and we look forward to bringing a step change in operating standards through the confidence building route-proving exercise agreed with our partners Airbus and Shell.”

Shell Aircraft Vice President, Tony Cramp said: “Shell welcomes the opportunity to embrace new aviation technology and introduce this highly advanced and efficient aircraft to safely service our vibrant and growing offshore business in the US Gulf of Mexico.”

Shell General Manager – Supply Chain Deepwater, Viet Van added: “The emissions reductions that the H160 provides help us continue to deliver crude and natural gas with the smallest carbon footprint of our global deepwater portfolio, and are another important step to meeting our goal of zero net emissions by 2050.”

With 68 patents, the H160 is the world’s most technologically advanced helicopter and features an unprecedented suite of pilot aids delivered through its Helionix avionics which substantially reduces crew workload and decreases the risk of pilot error.

They include the world’s first ground helipad assisted take-off procedure, a vortex ring state pre-alerting system and a recovery mode to automatically regain steady flight in difficult circumstances.

The H160 is powered by two of the latest Arrano engines from Safran Helicopter Engines and incorporates an embedded monitoring system and a redundancy of sensors, and can be maintained autonomously far from base. The design emphasises robust corrosion defence specifically envisaging offshore missions.

Leonardo: AW139 offshore fleet grows further in Northern Europe with new delivery to WIKING Helikopter Service GmbH.

Posted by dgualdo on 20/12/2020
Posted in: Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Rome, 16 December 2020

  • The delivery grows the number of AW139s operated by WIKING Helikopter Service GmbH in Germany, supporting the energy industry, to four aircraft
  • The operator’s standardisation and modernisation programme based on the AW139 is helping to meet the evolving requirements of its customers 
  • Nearly 1,200 AW139s ordered by more than 280 customers in over 70 nations worldwide, nearly 1,100 delivered and 2.9 million flight hours logged in operations to date 

Leonardo announced today that WIKING Helikopter Service GmbH has taken delivery of a new AW139 7-tonne intermediate twin engine helicopter from Leonardo’s Vergiate facility, further expanding an existing fleet of three aircraft.

The helicopter will be used to carry out offshore transport missions supporting energy industry operations in Northern Europe.

WIKING has been an offshore transport specialist in the North and Baltic Sea areas for over 45 years. It has three bases in Germany and two in the UK. The Company also performs sea pilot transfer, a windmill engineer hoisting service, and emergency medical service operations with its fleet of seven helicopters of various types. 

“Our fleet standardisation and modernisation programme launched a few years ago is helping to meet the evolving requirements of our customers and the growth of our AW139 fleet is providing a valuable support for this goal. Our decision to leverage the unrivalled mission capabilities, operational efficiency and reliability in its category of the popular AW139 are testament to our commitment to delivering the best level of safety, quality, and service across the region,” said Ernst Nassl, CEO Wiking Helikopter Service GmbH.

The AW139 has proven extremely popular in the region for offshore, search and rescue, passenger transport and law enforcement duties. The type set new standards in terms of flight and mission technology, cabin space and comfort, performance, safety and reliability as well as introducing advanced support, maintenance and training services. The AW139 is even exceeding the evolving energy market’s stringent requirements with unique features including a 60+ minutes run dry capable main gear box and full or limited ice protection system as an option to fly in known icing conditions for true all-weather operations. Nearly 1,200 AW139s have been ordered by more than 280 customers in over 70 nations to date for any kind of mission. The global fleet of nearly 1,100 units has amassed over 2.9 million flight hours to date.

LCI AND SUMITOMO MITSUI FINANCE AND LEASING (SMFL) LAUNCH LANDMARK US$230 MILLION HELICOPTER LEASING JOINT VENTURE.

Posted by dgualdo on 28/09/2020
Posted in: HEMS / SAR, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

PRESS RELAESE – 23 September 2020

LCI, a leading helicopter lessor and the aviation division of the Libra Group, and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL) have agreed to establish and operate a joint venture helicopter leasing business.

The vehicle has launched with the initial acquisition of 19 next generation helicopters with a value of US$230 million. SMFL and LCI are co-investors in the partnership, with LCI also acting as manager.

The young, modern helicopters acquired by the joint venture will be used by operators across the globe on a range of missions including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Search and Rescue (SAR), and transportation to offshore wind farms. With a strong lessee profile, long average lease tenor and full power by the hour maintenance coverage, the portfolio offers a robust profile for the investors.

Jaspal Jandu, Chief Financial Officer of LCI, says: “LCI is delighted to be launching this new leasing vehicle with SMFL. Our joint venture with this renowned partner highlights the opportunities available in the helicopter leasing marketplace, and demonstrates how these aircraft have now become a proven and attractive asset class.”

Shinichiro Watanabe, Managing Executive Officer of SMFL, says: “LCI’s experience, expertise and reputation makes them a natural business partner for SMFL, and we look forward to working with them and combining our respective financial strengths to jointly and professionally manage a successful and dynamic venture.”

George Logothetis, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Libra Group, added: “We are very pleased and proud that LCI has formed a joint venture with such a highly respected organisation. This partnership promises sustained and exciting growth for LCI’s rotary wing business, which has already proved highly resilient during the global pandemic.”

The new joint venture will enable SMFL and LCI to further expand the range and volume of their helicopter investments by leveraging their proven track record, knowledge and experience derived from SMFL’s aircraft and engine leasing companies, and LCI’s years of value creation in aviation helicopter and fixed wing leasing.

LCI’s fleet comprises approximately US$1 billion of assets in service, on order and under management, focused on the latest technology medium and super medium helicopters manufactured by leading helicopter OEMs including Leonardo, Airbus and Sikorsky.

These are in operation across four continents in multiple sectors including emergency medical services, offshore wind, search and rescue, maritime pilot transfer and oil-and-gas transportation.