Bristow Helicopters To Conduct ‘Search And Rescue’ Operations In Nigeria’s Oil Sector

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), is bringing in Bristow Helicopters to conduct special operations in the oil and gas industry.

The Bristow Helicopters management recently visited the NCDMB where they discussed and proposed to partner closely on initiatives like the establishment of a centre of excellence in the aviation sector, commencement of a search and rescue service and the introduction of light-wing aircrafts into the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

The managing director of Bristow Helicopters Nigeria, Mr. Oladapo Oyeleke led the company’s team that met with the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

He said, the visit was an opportunity to congratulate the Executive Secretary on his appointment and reaffirm the company’s commitment to NCDMB’s mandate as well as explore areas of possible collaboration, stating that, Bristow Helicopters is the global leader in the provision of helicopter services and has operated in Nigeria for over 65 years.

He acknowledged that the company had found comfort in the Nigerian environment and currently provides services to diverse clientele within and outside the Nigerian oil and gas industry using its fleet of aircrafts. We carry 3000 passengers every day. The magnitude of our impact cannot be overemphasised, he asserted.

The MD boss maintained that Bristow Helicopters brings innovation to its service, stressing that, the development of the Nigerian energy sector relies heavily on the company’s support and services. “You can only access deepwater projects that are about 200 nautical miles using our services. You cannot get there by boat,” he noted.

In the area of human capacity development, the MD claimed that the company has trained over 300 Nigerian pilots and engineers in partnership with the NCDMB.

According to him, “We have done very well in human capacity development. We trained Nigerian pilots and engineers heading the aviation departments of most international oil companies.”

Speaking further on the company’s local content strides, particularly, in human capacity development, Oyeleke stated that, the company started appointing Nigerians to the position of chief executives 10 years ago, despite Bristow Helicopters being an international brand.