Bristow Deploys Airbus H160 for Offshore Transport in Nigeria | Africa's First

Bristow Deploys Next-Gen Airbus H160 for Offshore Transport, SAR in Africa

LAGOS, Nigeria – Bristow Group, the global leader in vertical flight solutions, has officially introduced the state-of-the-art Airbus H160 helicopter into commercial service in Nigeria. The deployment marks a watershed moment for the African continent, positioning the H160 as the new benchmark for offshore energy logistics and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations in one of the world’s most active oil and gas markets.

The formal unveiling, held at a high-profile ceremony in Lagos earlier this week, drew key aviation regulators, energy sector stakeholders, and oil and gas industry leaders. This rollout signifies the aircraft’s first operational home in the energy sector in Africa and underscores Bristow’s commitment to leveraging next-generation technology in complex environments.

A New Era for Offshore Logistics

The Airbus H160 is a medium-twin platform designed to deliver the highest levels of operational safety and passenger comfort in its class. Capable of performing diverse missions—including offshore crew changes, emergency medical services, and search and rescue—the helicopter boasts an 18% reduction in fuel consumption per passenger and features advanced Helionix avionics to improve pilot situational awareness.

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“For over six decades, Bristow has been the trusted wing and backbone of Nigeria’s offshore energy logistics,” said Captain Dapo Oyeleke, Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters. “Today, we are reinforcing that promise. By launching the Airbus H160 right here in Nigeria, we are bringing aircraft with the highest global standards directly to our clients’ doorsteps,” he stated, referencing the company's long-standing operational history from Lagos to the vital bases across the Niger Delta.

Strategic Fleet Modernization

The introduction is part of a broader strategic agreement signed last year for up to five H160s leased from Milestone Aviation Group. With the first two aircraft now in country and undergoing final preparations, the remaining helicopters are scheduled for delivery to complete a fleet that will serve shallow and deep-water oil and gas activities.

Stu Stavely, Chief Operating Officer for Offshore Energy Services at Bristow Group, highlighted the operational advantages: “The H160 brings a combination of advanced technology, operational flexibility, and improved fuel efficiency. Its performance profile, particularly its range and payload capability, positions Bristow with a distinct advantage in this market”.

Supporting Nigerian Content and Local Talent

Beyond operational efficiency, the deployment is being hailed as a victory for local capacity development. Bristow has a legacy of training over 600 Nigerian pilots and engineers, and the H160 program is opening new doors for local talent to master "one of the most advanced commercial aircraft on the planet," according to Captain Oyeleke.

The company has reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing recruitment and upskilling in line with the human capacity development initiatives of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Chevron.

Conclusion

With this deployment, Bristow has not only raised the bar for safety and efficiency in the African energy sector but has also solidified its position as the leading aviation partner for the industry. As the first oil and gas operator to introduce the H160 on the continent, Bristow has set a new standard for offshore logistics, promising safer, greener, and more reliable service for the future of Nigeria’s energy production.