South African Titan Helicopter Group (THG) has taken delivery of the first S-76D helicopter to operate in Africa. The aircraft is configured for offshore service and will be on lease from Milestone Aviation Group. Milestone has 86 Sikorsky aircraft in its fleet with 55 S-92 helicopters and 31 S-76, including four S-76D helicopters.

THG was established in 1993 and is headquartered in George in South Africa. Its fleet currently features Sikorsky S-76 A++, S-76C and S-76C+ helicopters as well as the S-61N aircraft, B212s, Mi-8 and Ka32.

“The S-76D is the medium-sized aircraft of choice for various offshore customers in Africa, and THG is excited to be the first operator to introduce the aircraft on the continent,” says Jide Adebayo, coo of THG.

In addition to the oil and gas sector, the S-76D has been in high demand for vip and executive personal transport. Its vip options include a customised interior with seating for five to eight passengers, and it can hold its rotor system still while running an engine to power the on-board air-conditioning system for safe, comfortable loading and unloading. It is anticipated that in the future it will also be certified to fly in icy conditions via optional de-icing capability for the main and tail rotor blades.