Lagos, Nigeria-based Caverton Helicopters Limited, a subsidiary of Caverton Offshore Support Group, has signed a purchase agreement with Bell Helicopter for eight Bell 407GXPs.

The group operates in the marine and aviation logistics sectors for the oil and gas industry and employs more than 700 employees in Nigeria. Delivery of the aircraft is scheduled to begin later this year.

"We offer logistics and support services to companies located along the west African shelf," says MD Josiah Choms. "Identifying the best aircraft to carry out the mission is key and we believe the Bell 407GXP's track record, particularly its speed and operating cost, make it the perfect light single helicopter for this job."

Operating out of a 10,000 sqm facility at the Murtala Muhammad International airport in Lagos and purpose-built facilities in Victoria Island, Port Harcourt, Warri and Cameroon, Caverton has signed the eight rotorcraft up to Bell's Customer Advantage Plan support solution.