Moroccan operator Heliconia has taken delivery of a pair of AW139 helicopters from Waypoint Leasing Ireland. These two aircraft join a third AW139 leased from Waypoint, all in support of oil and gas operations in north-west Africa.

President and CEO Daniel Sigaud says: “We are pleased to partner with Waypoint on this transaction, which allows us to bolster our existing fleet and operating capabilities in north-west Africa with two versatile and well-equipped aircraft. Waypoint was able to efficiently mobilise the aircraft from one operator to another while providing the maintenance and support services required for the transfer. The team clearly understands our needs as an operator, and we look forward to partnering with it on similar transactions in the future.”

Heliconia is divided into three business strands: Heliconia Aero Solutions, which focuses on VIP transportation; Heliconia Offshore, which assists with oil and gas work; and Heliconia Industries, which provides helicopter maintenance and repair services in Morocco. The latter was initially set up as Helisud Services in the year 2000, while Heliconia Offshore is a fast-growing arm of the business that operates a twin turbine rotary fleet selected to withstand the harsh sub-Saharan environment and regular over-water missions.