One of the oldest oil and gas shuttle service providers, the Bristow Group has unveiled state-of-the-art Airbus H160 Helicopter, the first operator to do so in Africa.
Statement from the Ministry confirmed that Nigeria has become the first country in Africa to deploy the revolutionary Airbus H160 helicopter for commercial operations.
The aircraft with pioneer sophisticated features was officially unveiled on Thursday by Bristow Group Helicopters in Lagos.
The company said that this is more than just a new addition to the fleet; it represents a true aviation revolution.
The arrival of the H160 validates the forward-thinking vision of Hon. Minister Festus Keyamo SAN, to forge strategic global partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Airbus Helicopters.
It marks a significant leap forward for offshore energy support, emergency medical services, and Nigeria’s broader logistics infrastructure.
How is the Minister, Festus Keyamo, driving the renewed hope agenda for local aviation? By prioritising systemic reforms over a state-funded national carrier.
Through bold initiatives, he has aggressively de-risked the sector, empowering indigenous private operators to emerge as globally competitive players.
Key milestones under his leadership include: – Increased Nigeria’s Cape Town Convention compliance from 49.5% to 75.5% through the IDERA framework. – Restored global confidence, paving the way for international lessors to safely introduce cutting-edge assets like the H160 into the Nigerian market. -Established the Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company — a privately funded Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that enables local operators to dry-lease aircraft and pay in Naira, significantly easing foreign exchange pressure. -Named by the African Development Bank (AfDB) as African Champion for the $7 billion Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme. Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, is steadily positioning Nigeria as Africa’s premier aviation hub.
