The Airline business subsector in Nigeria received a boost recently with the arrival of one of the leading helicopters company in the world, Airbus Helicopters into the scene. The company, which has plans to also establish its operations in Ghana, Ivory Coast and Angola among others said it presently, operates from 150 countries around the globe.
The company also unveiled its latest technology, H175 helicopter, which it said is fuel efficient with bigger tanks than its contemporaries for Jet A1, 7.8 tons, strong and could be configured to accommodate 18 passengers.
The company did a demonstration flight of the helicopters at the EAN hangar of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, to the administration of all participants. Speaking at the unveiling of the new product, the Vice President, Head of Operational Marketing, Regis Magnac said that the helicopter would be useful in the oil and gas industry, search and rescue operations and for Very Important Persons, VIPs, usage.
He insisted that the Nigerian market was not new to latest technologies in the industry, assuring that the helicopter would be a success in the country. He put the value of the aircraft at more than $10 million. Designed with the support of oil companies and helicopters operators, the H175 offers cost competitiveness, performance and new standards of safety and comfort.
He added, “The 7-ton class H175 was developed by Airbus Helicopters as its new-generation mediumsized rotorcraft, certified in accordance with the latest and most demanding regulatory requirements. Benefits include enhanced flight safety, more volume per seat for passenger comfort, mission versatility, simplified maintenance, and cost effectiveness to match customer expectations.
“With 16 passengers aboard in an oil and gas configuration, it can fly to distances of 140 nautical miles (332KM), increasing to nearly 200 nautical miles (435 KM) when 12 passengers are carried in a long range configuration, with no auxiliary fuel tank required. In a higher density configuration, it can carry as many as 18 passengers up to 105 nautical miles (269 KM).” In terms of comfort, the helicopter’s fast cruise speed, large windows, and low sound and vibration levels he said creates a comfortable passenger journey offshore
