Caverton Helicopters Limited, a subsidiary of Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc (COSG), said it has signed a helicopter charter service agreement with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
This service provision will cover offshore platforms operated by Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) as well as all flight requests from other NNPC subsidiaries on a call-off basis. Commenting on the agreement, Adeniyi Makanjuola, chairman, Caverton Helicopters, said “as a wholly indigenous company, we are delighted to be given an opportunity to provide helicopter services to NNPC.
It demonstrates that the government is recognising the capabilities of indigenous companies and willing to partner with them”. He further stated that “this relationship with NNPC is an encouragement for us to continue to strive to be at the frontline of helicopter operations in support of oil and gas business in Nigeria.
As an addition to our existing contracts, this will have a positive impact on our revenue stream.” There will be proper management of the utilisation to ensure efficient resource sharing by the different subsidiaries of NNPC. Caverton as a frontline operator of the AW139 has the largest fleet in Nigeria and the Africa sub-region. Since the introduction of the aircraft in 2012, Caverton has increased its fleet of AW139 helicopters to nine following a strategic fleet expansion and renewal programme. Commenting on the agreement, Josiah Choms, managing director of Caverton Helicopters, said, “The careful implementation of our strategic plan benefits Caverton and Nigeria in that several indigenous pilots and engineers have gained proficiency in this modern aircraft type that has become the staple for the oil and gas industry globally”. It would be recalled that Caverton signed a landmark agreement with CAE of Canada to operate the first commercial aviation training centre in Africa.
READ ALSO: #EndSARS: How my son lost N7.7m to forex, committed suicide- mother tells Ogun Judicial Panel
