Bristow Nigeria introduces new helicopter rescue and recovery services for oil sector
Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Limited today announced a new dedicated
helicopter rescue and recovery (RRS) service for Nigeria’s oil and gas
industry to provide critical life-saving assistance currently not
available in the country’s aviation landscape. The new service is
expected to launch in August 2016.
Bristow’s new RRS service complements the company’s suite of
industrial aviation offerings, including its fixed-wing service between
Lagos and Port Harcourt launched last year.
Interim Regional Director Africa Captain Akin Oni said: “Bristow is a
known leader in providing search and rescue services around the world
and we have an unparalleled understanding of what is required for this
new rescue and recovery service.
Bristow operates the civilian search
and rescue helicopter service in the UK on behalf of HM Coastguard,
having been awarded the ten-year UK SAR contract by the Department for
Transport in March 2013, and we will utilize our global expertise to
provide safe and reliable service in Nigeria.
“This new rescue and recovery service is a natural extension of our
business transporting personnel offshore that we’ve provided in Nigeria
for more than 50 years, and demonstrates our continued long-term
commitment to the country.”
Bristow Helicopters will deliver the new service from its base at
Port Harcourt, which is strategically located to transport resources
quickly and efficiently to oil installations in the area. The company
will dedicate an advanced Leonardo AW139 helicopter to the operation,
equipped with state-of-the-art technology for search and rescue
missions, including forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera technology,
dual hoist and mission management capabilities.
The aircraft is painted
in red and white livery, distinguishing it from other aircraft that
transport personnel to offshore production platforms and drilling rigs.
Bristow Helicopters plans to add subsequent service from Lagos as soon
as the second AW139 becomes operational, which is expected by year’s
end. Both Port Harcourt and Lagos will offer night medical evacuation
services.
Crews operating the new service are experienced and highly skilled,
trained and certified to the highest industry standards. Pilots,
technical crew, paramedics, engineers and ground crew are already at the
Port Harcourt base and will spend the next couple of months training in
the area in preparation for the service launch.
Captain Ibrahim Mamman, Head of the National Emergency Management
Agency (NEMA) Special Air Operations Unit said: “We are happy that
Bristow has provided a service complementary to ours. Collaboration is
critical. Every support is required in SAR and it should be commended.
It is important that efforts such as theirs are supported by their
customers, predominantly the oil and gas industry.”
Captain Samuel Akinyele Caulcrick, Rector, Nigerian College of
Aviation Technology said: “Search and Recovery System is an integral
component of air operations and transport. The role Bristow Helicopters
has decided to pioneer is a welcome development, and it deserves
commendation, encouragement and support.”
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