LAGOS — Bristow Group has introduced the Airbus H160 helicopter into commercial service in Nigeria, making it the company's first deployment of the aircraft in Africa to support offshore energy operations, search and rescue, and emergency medical services.
The helicopter was unveiled in Lagos before aviation regulators, energy industry stakeholders, and operators, marking a significant addition to Nigeria's offshore logistics capability.
Speaking at the launch, Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters Nigeria, Capt. Dapo Oyeleke, said the acquisition underscores the company's commitment to safety, operational efficiency, and innovation in offshore aviation.
He noted that Bristow has played a key role in Nigeria's aviation sector for more than six decades, supporting industries ranging from agriculture to oil and gas while maintaining uninterrupted operations through major national events, including the civil war, the June 12 political crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Oyeleke, Bristow has introduced at least 15 aircraft types and variants into Nigeria over the years and remains committed to safely transporting personnel, freight, and equipment for the offshore energy industry.
Bristow's Senior Manager for Operations and Service Delivery, Clement Falayi, described the deployment of the Airbus H160 as another milestone in the company's safety-driven operations.
He said Nigeria becomes the first operational base for the H160 in Africa's energy sector, adding that the aircraft meets the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) 690 standards and is equipped with next-generation technology to enhance safety and operational performance.
The Airbus H160 is designed for offshore transportation, search and rescue, and emergency medical services. It features the Helionix avionics suite and an advanced autopilot system aimed at reducing pilot workload and improving situational awareness during flight operations.
Bristow said the helicopter also delivers an estimated 18 per cent reduction in fuel consumption per passenger while offering improved maintenance efficiency, passenger comfort, and greater operational flexibility.
Configured to carry up to 12 passengers, the aircraft is expected to strengthen logistics support for shallow and deep-water oil and gas operations across the Niger Delta and Nigeria's offshore fields.
Oyeleke also said the deployment would contribute to local capacity development, noting that Bristow has trained more than 600 Nigerian pilots and engineers and will continue investing in recruitment and skills development in line with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board's human capacity development initiatives.
He acknowledged the support of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Airbus, and Milestone Aviation for their roles in certifying and introducing the aircraft into Nigeria.
According to him, the collaboration among the organisations helped advance safety, innovation, and industry development while positioning Nigeria to benefit from one of the world's most advanced commercial helicopters.
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