Ostend, Belgium-headquartered NHV Group and Tropical Arctic Logistics (TAL), a Nigerian subsidiary of Baywood Integrated Group that specialises in logistics and flight services, have entered into a teaming agreement designed to allow both companies to jointly pursue strategic opportunities in Nigeria and the west African offshore industry. United as a new helicopter service provider, determined to give strong impetus to safety and operational compliance, NHV and TAL can immediately offer four latest technology AW139 aircraft and have committed to reciprocal support. The main focus of the partnership is on the offshore oil and gas market, but other helicopter services will be offered as well.

“As Nigeria is a growing offshore market with an extensive number of very qualified people in the aviation industry, it is a privilege to be in partnership with a well esteemed company such as TAL, which has a long tradition of using this Nigerian pool of competent persons,” says NHV contract manager Lars Skov. “This unique combination of competencies in both people and operations, based on TAL's and NHV's distinctive skills, will be the future benchmark for truthful, safe and credible offshore helicopter services in Nigeria. We are looking forward to a long and very fruitful co-operation which has started in good harmony, and we are glad to be on board.”

TAL COO and engineer Femi Adeniji notes: “As the largest North Sea operator, NHV has extensive experience in the harshest flying conditions. Its SAR knowledge and other capabilities will definitely mean an advantage for our combined businesses.”

Baywood chairman Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe adds: “For us it was important to find a partner with excellent safety records and vast experience. This, allied with TAL's strong track record of local content equipment ownership and operations, will deliver a safe, reliable and sustainable rotary wing transportation option to our clients. Together NHV and TAL will play an important role in the Nigerian oil and gas airspace.”

This agreement confirms NHV's intention to strengthen its position in the west African offshore helicopter segment, which it originally entered in 2010 with the offshore oil and gas operations for Shell.

NHV has also invested in a new maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar close to its existing facility and headquarters at Ostend airport. This 3,000 sqm hangar will be able to accommodate up to six aircraft simultaneously for maintenance or modifications activities.

The structure will provide an environment in which nose-to-tail customised maintenance can be performed, and multiple other specialised support functions such as a battery shop, sheet metal/composite shop, a paint facility and a storage area for parts and aircraft are incorporated into the hangar design.

“The new facility is a welcome investment in our maintenance team and a win for our customers, who will benefit from improved operational performance as a result of quicker maintenance,” says base manager Bram De Backer. “Moreover, this increase in our MRO activities brings along a number of new engineering jobs for which we are currently recruiting.”

The new hangar, part of the NSAC facilities, is located at the west corner of Ostend airport within a short distance of the runway and NHV's nearby existing facilities in the Kalkaertstraat. The new hangar should be operational by April 2020.