ExxonMobil has signed a contract for two Airbus H145 helicopters to support the PNG LNG (liquefied natural gas) Project in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The new H145 model with a five-blade, bearingless main rotor provides a 150kg increase in useful load. The aircraft will be based at the Hides gas conditioning plant in Hela Province of the PNG Highlands and will be used to transport personnel and equipment in support of PNG LNG Project operations.

In addition to its reliability and superior economics, the new H145's hot and high performance was critical to its selection for use in an environment requiring routine operations at an altitude of 5,400ft in temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius.

The sale is the first by Airbus Helicopters to ExxonMobil and the first order in the oil and gas sector for the new H145 in the Asia Pacific region.

Ben Bridge, executive VP of global business, for Airbus Helicopters says: “It's an honour to win the confidence of a safety and performance focused customer like ExxonMobil for operations in PNG's highly demanding operational environment. The new H145 has made a strong start in the market, and it's clear that it has a great future across multiple market segments.”