Nigerian operator Caverton Helicopters has taken delivery of a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter courtesy of leasing specialist Milestone Aviation Group. This marks the first S-92 to be operated by Caverton and the first to be operated by a wholly locally-owned African company.

The deal will support a recently awarded contract to Caverton for deep offshore helicopter logistics services, mainly crew change activities. In addition to the helicopter, Milestone will also provide Caverton with a comprehensive training and entry into service package to support the phasing-in of this new type into its fleet.

Rotimi Makanjuola, MD and accountable manager of Caverton Helicopters, says: “The introduction of the S-92 onto our fleet marks a significant milestone for the company and further demonstrates our commitment to meet the service requirements of our clients and grow our scope of capabilities as a Nigerian operator. This is yet another testament to our continued success as the leading indigenous aviation logistics service provider in west Africa. Becoming an S-92 operator will undoubtedly enable the company to expand into service provision for clients that require additional payload and extended range for their missions, which the S-92 efficiently and safely provides. We are grateful for the strong support provided by Milestone and our partnership has been instrumental in getting the S-92 into our fleet.”

Michael York, head of emerging markets at Milestone, adds: “The S-92 continues to be the workhorse of the offshore sector, and through this transaction we are not only cultivating a new operator for the type but expanding its footprint, which is critical for the industry. This is the sixth aircraft Caverton is leasing from Milestone, complementing the three AW139s and two S-76C++ helicopters, and the team has worked hard to put together a creative training programme and entry into service package for them. These packages are key differentiators for Milestone and illustrate the depth of service we offer, bringing tailor-made solutions to our customers with certainty of execution.”

Sikorsky's VP of commercial systems and services Audrey Brady says: “We are proud to welcome Caverton to the S-92 helicopter family and value our longstanding relationship with Milestone. We are confident this aircraft will support the demanding needs of Caverton's offshore oil and gas transportation missions with its industry-leading safety and reliability record.”