After a rigorous tender process, Caverton Helicopters Limited was recently selected as the preferred air transport provider for the NNPC/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture based in Escravos, Nigeria. To celebrate this feat, Caverton Helicopters Limited today hosted a formal Business Luncheon at its Executive Flight Facility at Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Ikeja where the fleet of brand new helicopters to be used on the contract were unveiled.
The new fleet of aircraft that includes the state-of-the-art Bell 407 GXP and the industry workhorse Bell 412 EP. The Bell 407GXP incorporates new avionics, an upgraded engine, and new executive interior design options. Fitted with Rolls-Royce M250-C47E/4 dual channel turbine engine, the aircraft delivers exceptional hot and high performance, with efficient fuel economy.
The Bell 412 EP is highly reliable aircraft that has been known to perform extremely well even in inimical climatic conditions. With a spacious cabin, the aircraft can be configured to in a variety of ways to accommodate up to 14 passengers.
Both helicopter types are equipped with a variety of safety features which include rupture resistance fuel cells, wire strike protection system, vibration and engine exceedance monitoring systems, flight data monitoring.
In his speech, , Remi Makanjuola, chairman, Caverton Offshore Support Group, said the unveiling Caverton fleet of Helicopters was a feat and a day the aviation industry should be proud of that a Nigerian went to America to acquire 11 helicopters. “This is a ground breaking event. Over the past few years, we went through many phases of development as a company in less than favourable circumstances. Nevertheless, we have been able to operate existing contracts successfully, as well as, secure a few new contracts.
“The largest and most significant of these new contracts, the NNPC-Chevron Joint Venture Helicopter Services Contract, it is the reason we are here today to unveil the helicopters that would be used for that activity. We are recording some success in our desire to be a financially strong and sustainable group that puts all stakeholders at the heart of everything”, the chairman said.
Our safety of record is something we are proud and thankful for, and credit must go to our professionalism at all levels. Given Chevron’s global reputation for safety and quality, it is safe to say that Caverton’s diligent attention to safety, quality and continuous improvement contributed in no small measure to the contract award.
He noted that in addition of the helicopters to their fleet, that would make Caverton Helicopters one of the largest operators of BELL products in sub-Saharan Africa.
“As a fully indigenous player in the hitherto foreign interest dominated sector, Caverton has confirmed the mantra that Nigerians can excel and do Nigeria proud in all facets of the economy given the opportunity”, the chairman explained further.
In his address, Maikanti Baru, group managing director, NNPC, said what Caverton did was a milestone and the power of Vision of its chairman. “I have followed the company since inception since Makanjuola conceived the idea of going into aviation logistics. I commend him for his foresight andtenacity for putting non-existent entity company to become a conglomerate and now become a global brand. The contribution of Caverton Helicopter’s to aviation cannot be over-emphasised as the company has filled the vacuum. I am proud of the company’s safety even as an indigenous company, it has proved that commitment tenacity of purpose has helped theoil and gas company through its services. We will continue to support local companies as Caverton continues to raise the bar to become a household name globally,” Baru said.
In his speech, Monday Ovuede, director, NNPC/CNL JV, said Caverton’s launching of 11 helicopters marked an expansion of the company in Nigeria, the manifestation of its resilience to ensure that aviation industry becomes enviable. Ovuede said for a Nigeria company to provide such services is commendable. He seized the opportunity to thanked the Bell Company as they look forward of to enjoy services from Caverton. The Caverton Helicopter he noted would commence operation in April 1, 2018. Just as they look forward to a zero accident free services since the helicopters will be flying everyday, the rules and regulations of aviation would be strictly adhered to by ensuring that all the helicopters are well maintained.
As well, David Sale, managing director, Sales, Middle East & Africa, Bell Helicopters, thanked Caverton for giving them the opportunity to provide this service to a Nigerian company. According to him, the Bell as a company has been in Nigeria since 1964, today we are happy to partner with Caverton. “Our plan is to pick and deliver over 800 passengers everyday, we will ensure zero accident free as we increase our effort to protect our people. With over 50 years of doing business in Nigeria, I assure you that we will be here in the next 50 years “ With an enviable safety record for flight operations across West Africa, Caverton Helicopters’ Flight Safety Culture and Maintenance Programme will be deployed in the management of these remarkable aircraft.”
Commending the group for promoting indigenous content thereby helping the nation’s economy, Hadi Sirika, Minister of State for Aviation, who was represented by a staff of the Ministry, said by this new addition is like expanding the Nigerian aviation sector. He reiterates his ministry goodwill and promised that whatever assistance the group needs when the need arises his ministry would not hesitate to be of help.
All the invited guests and stakeholders who converged on Ikeja to view the latest addition to Caverton Group , including Maikanti Baru, managing director, NNPC, representative of Chief of Army staff, former group managing director, NNPC, King Edmond Dakoru, Yoyin Makanjoula, Oba Otudeko, MD, Sales, Middle East and Africa, Bell Helicopters, David Sale, managing director/CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema, representatives of Bell Helicopters, Monday Ovuede, managing director of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, representative of Minister of State for Aviation, United States Consul General, John Bray, expatriates partners, managing director, Caverton Helicopters, Captain Josiah Choms, CEO, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Bode Makanjuola, chairman, THISDAY Editorial Board, Segun Adeniyi and others.
