Helicopter Firm To Invest $40m In Nigeria

The total investment portfolio of a Brazilian Helicopter firm, Omni Helicopters International (OHI) into Nigeria’s aviation industry could rise to $40 million according to the promoters of the deal as the firm enters into a joint venture with Omni Blu Aviation Limited for the launch of Omni Helicopters Nigeria.

Aside the initial investment of $20 million, which the Brazilian is putting into the venture, the deal could further gulp additional $20 million as the firm plans to supply high tech helicopters equipped with security features, conversion and training of pilots and other technical staff.

The firm gave assurance that only Nigerian pilots would be recruited as the case in Brazil where totality of workers in aviation are Brazilians, thereby encouraging local content development.

This idea would equally give jobs to many Nigerian pilots that are currently jobless. Figures show that there far more Nigerian pilots that are jobless than those who are currently engaged.

Besides, the strategic partnership would help to promote and develop Omni Helicopters Nigeria (OHN). OHN will make use of OHI’s technical expertise, access to aircraft and track record in safety and operating performance as well as Omni Blu’ local capacities and strong service reputation.

The joint venture, which is crafted to meet the more demanding OGP standards in offshore aviation as well as local content requirements in Nigeria, aims to create a solid source of safe and reliable service for the Nigerian oil and gas market, one of the worlds’s most developed with over 60 helicopters.

OHI is a Portugal based investor in helicopter services, owning a modern fleet of helicopters and a number of shareholding participation in locally licensed helicopter operators.

The company’s largest investment in OTA, Brazil’s leading offshore aviation services provider with 50 medium equivalent helicopters in contract and an estimated share of 40 per cent of that market.

Founder of OHI, Capt. Rui Almeida, said the strategic alliance between OHI and Omni-Blu will help requalify Nigerian offshore aviation by accessing resources that will lead to the introduction of new aircraft technologies and safety systems, in turn boosting investment, training and formation.

This, he said would benefit the broader Nigerian aviation sector and impact the overall economy by elevating local capabilities and promoting increased employment, professional development and sustainable competition.

Asked why the firm is investing in the sector at a time there is economic recession, he said the current situation in Nigeria is similar to the environment in Brazil in 2006, when tightening regulations and substantially upgraded demands from oil and gas clients offered opportunities to new entrants.

He said that they succeeded by transferring know-how, granting access to assets and empowering local excellence. His words, “We are familiar with Nigeria, having operated there in the past and understand the standard of oil and gas clients, having serviced clients in Brazil already.

We share the ethos and ambition of our valued partner Omni-Blu, and are confident that this alliance will truly make a difference to the Nigerian offshore aviation market.”

Managing Director of Omni Blu, Captain Sunny Adegbuyi said that the alliance is great news for Nigeria and a welcome development for the economy as well as the aviation and oil and gas sectors.

He noted that at a time when aviation companies are divesting and pulling out of Nigeria, OHI has demonstrated its faith and confidence in the aviation policy of the Federal Government.

Adegbuyi stated that for a start, his company would take delivery of 10 aircraft, but hinted that they would not come until they sign agreements with oil and gas companies who are already willing to do business with them in Nigeria.

“We are delighted to partner with one of the world’s best helicopter operators at a critical time for Nigerian offshore aviation. We aim to meet the rising demands of this market with a unique balance of operational strengths and local content.

“We have known the founders of OHI for two decades and hold them in high esteem. OHI’s achievement in Brazil, the world’s fastest growing offshore aviation market is testament to the capabilities of our partners.”