What's up in the REST of Africa
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Age: 61
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What's up in the REST of Africa
Seeing that the "West Africa" thread has pretty much focused on Nigeria for several years now (for obvious reasons), I thought it might be time to get a thread going on what's happening in the rest of Africa. Here are a few thoughts to get things started.
- CHC have pretty much moved away any 1 or 2 aircraft contracts after closing the CHC Africa business unit last year. Now they have no contracts except Nigeria, Angola (both in trouble) and Equatorial Guinea. Are they going to regret losing various footholds?
-Where are Bristow these days apart from Nigeria?
- Are Africa companies like Titan posed to move into small contracts historically held by the big 2 above?
- Is Cougar ever going to make a move on Africa?
- Not much heard on here about Heli Molongo, presumably they're still busy?
- What about new fields off Ghana/Mozambique/Madagascar?
Have at it guys
- CHC have pretty much moved away any 1 or 2 aircraft contracts after closing the CHC Africa business unit last year. Now they have no contracts except Nigeria, Angola (both in trouble) and Equatorial Guinea. Are they going to regret losing various footholds?
-Where are Bristow these days apart from Nigeria?
- Are Africa companies like Titan posed to move into small contracts historically held by the big 2 above?
- Is Cougar ever going to make a move on Africa?
- Not much heard on here about Heli Molongo, presumably they're still busy?
- What about new fields off Ghana/Mozambique/Madagascar?
Have at it guys
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Age: 61
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oops, forgot they're still there, I guess that's how rumors start 
Just found this that relates to one of my questions above:
Heli Malongo Selects S-76C++(TM) Helicopter for New Search and Rescue Service
FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, England, July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has been selected by Heli Malongo to provide three S-76C++(TM) aircraft for its new Search and Rescue (SAR) service in Angola, Sikorsky announced today from the Farnborough International Air Show. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
(Logo: Newscom Search )
The agreement marks Heli Malongo's first purchase of a Sikorsky Aircraft product. Heli Malongo, an offshore oil operator based in Angola already operating 20 aircraft, plans to establish a Search and Rescue service to support the country's growing oil industry. It will be the first Search and Rescue operation to serve Angola.
"SAR missions require speed, agility and responsiveness, and the S-76C++ helicopter delivers on all counts," said Sikorsky Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer Stephen B. Estill. "Our SAR helicopters are mission ready. We are pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate the ability of our aircraft to Heli Malongo."
The decision to choose the S-76C++ helicopter comes after a comprehensive selection process, heavily focused on mission requirements. Heli Malongo was in need of a highly equipped Search and Rescue aircraft with a responsive support system that would enable them to perform even through the most demanding missions.
"We demonstrated that the S-76C++ helicopter is well suited for SAR missions and met Heli Malongo's detailed requirements," Estill said.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company's long commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement: "We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere ... every time(TM)." United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
Just found this that relates to one of my questions above:
Heli Malongo Selects S-76C++(TM) Helicopter for New Search and Rescue Service
FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, England, July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has been selected by Heli Malongo to provide three S-76C++(TM) aircraft for its new Search and Rescue (SAR) service in Angola, Sikorsky announced today from the Farnborough International Air Show. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
(Logo: Newscom Search )
The agreement marks Heli Malongo's first purchase of a Sikorsky Aircraft product. Heli Malongo, an offshore oil operator based in Angola already operating 20 aircraft, plans to establish a Search and Rescue service to support the country's growing oil industry. It will be the first Search and Rescue operation to serve Angola.
"SAR missions require speed, agility and responsiveness, and the S-76C++ helicopter delivers on all counts," said Sikorsky Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer Stephen B. Estill. "Our SAR helicopters are mission ready. We are pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate the ability of our aircraft to Heli Malongo."
The decision to choose the S-76C++ helicopter comes after a comprehensive selection process, heavily focused on mission requirements. Heli Malongo was in need of a highly equipped Search and Rescue aircraft with a responsive support system that would enable them to perform even through the most demanding missions.
"We demonstrated that the S-76C++ helicopter is well suited for SAR missions and met Heli Malongo's detailed requirements," Estill said.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company's long commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement: "We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere ... every time(TM)." United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
Last edited by inputshaft; 7th Dec 2008 at 11:33.
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Victoria Canada
Age: 73
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hooray!!!
Finally an African thread not about Nigeria. Long overdue.
Cougar is in Angola right now with a bunch of hardware. SK92's BH212's and an EC135 that blew power checks due to dust ingestion shortly after arrival.
H
opefully they will move towards competitiveness in the Offshore market soon.
Finally an African thread not about Nigeria. Long overdue.
Cougar is in Angola right now with a bunch of hardware. SK92's BH212's and an EC135 that blew power checks due to dust ingestion shortly after arrival.
H
opefully they will move towards competitiveness in the Offshore market soon.
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CHC have pretty much moved away any 1 or 2 aircraft contracts after closing the CHC Africa business unit last year. Now they have no contracts except Nigeria, Angola (both in trouble) and Equatorial Guinea. Are they going to regret losing various footholds?
Nigeria & Angola in trouble? I know it is PPRUNE and that is the rumour, but any evidence of this? One would assume the new puppet masters will do everything in their power to retain such a substantial portion of their "perceived" cash flow?
One company you missed is Starlite who are trying to crack the nut. Picking up what was left over after Titan won the scrap over CHC's holdings in SA/Namibia. What ever happened to "their" 92's? Still in Angola? Still operating their aging J models in Sudan and Namibia? The older the cheaper........
Me thinks main reason for CHC pulling out of short term 1 or 2 a/c contracts: Why compete for bottom dollar?
Once production starts in the East Coast fields the big boys will come out to play. Unfortunately lack of infrastructure both on- and offshore coupled with current oil prices will probably move this even further to the right.
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: LOS
Age: 67
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CHC's position in Angola has always been a bit precarious......Sonair has been trying everything they can to make it as difficult as possible for CHC to operate there.
The only thing saving us has been BP, but they are always getting pressure from Sonair. I hear that now Sonair has a 225 there that they have been showing off to BP.
Rumor has it the BP contract is due Dec.31......anyone have any news on that?
The only thing saving us has been BP, but they are always getting pressure from Sonair. I hear that now Sonair has a 225 there that they have been showing off to BP.
Rumor has it the BP contract is due Dec.31......anyone have any news on that?
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Here and there...
Age: 58
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Long before CHC, Court had the whole up and down routine in Angolsch. They had up to 4 machines and went down to one on ad-hoc then up and down again before the current incarnation.
Sonair can buy the shuttle, they are and will always be Sonair and the likes of BP with their requirements will have CHC or someone else back there before long.
Sonair can buy the shuttle, they are and will always be Sonair and the likes of BP with their requirements will have CHC or someone else back there before long.
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Here and there...
Age: 58
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Apparently C+ to replace the Puma and an A++ to replace a machine going for a major and then another C+ mid next year-ish.
Always assuming there is a contract to go to with Sonair wanting them out completely.
Always assuming there is a contract to go to with Sonair wanting them out completely.
Equatorial Guinea - firefight in Malabo this morning
CHC - GO operates in both Malabo and Bata.
The capital of Equatorial Guinea, Malabo, was the scene this morning (Feb 17, 2009) of an intense firefight in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace, which could have caused "a very significant number of casualties" and that has been attributed to a possible military revolt by foreign forces, according Europa Press reported on sources of internal opposition.
So far it has not been possible to contact the government, which has not yet ruled on these incidents. "There is no official information, but there have been shootings, that is true," he told Reuters and the deputy secretary general of Convergence for Social Democracy (CPDS), Plácido Micó, who was unable to specify details but for " reliable sources. "
According to sources, a number of people who are helping the injured have spoken of "a very significant number of casualties on both sides and have ensured that" has said all health-care. " At the moment we speak of "wounded, and perhaps one of the dead soldiers," they added.
The shooting occurred in an area relatively close to the presidential residence, including areas Elá Nguema and Nueva Esperanza and near Black Beach prison, but the country's president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, is not in Malabo, Bata but . Sources inside the opposition indicated that the Army has occupied the streets of this city, capital of the region.
The shooting has already completed after about four hours' duration. The authorities have advised people to stay in their homes and some companies have sent workers to their homes because of the uncertainty we live. The streets of the capital are "empty" and only witness of the army patrols on the streets and at junctions of the city center. "They are not recording the activities of Malabo," said Micó.
The first versions speak of a possible military revolt by foreign forces. In this regard two versions circulating, according to opposition sources indicated interior, which stated that currently it is "speculation" in the absence of official information.
On the one hand, it is said that forces loyal to the British mercenary Simon Mann - sentenced last summer to 34 years in prison for an Equatorial Guinea court for his alleged involvement in a coup against Obiang in 2004 - have tried to rescue him in the hospital de Guadalupe, where he was admitted a few days ago.
Moreover, the shooting has been attributed to the militia of the Movement of Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) in the country since last year. "Others speak of a coup d'etat", these sources added.
The capital of Equatorial Guinea, Malabo, was the scene this morning (Feb 17, 2009) of an intense firefight in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace, which could have caused "a very significant number of casualties" and that has been attributed to a possible military revolt by foreign forces, according Europa Press reported on sources of internal opposition.
So far it has not been possible to contact the government, which has not yet ruled on these incidents. "There is no official information, but there have been shootings, that is true," he told Reuters and the deputy secretary general of Convergence for Social Democracy (CPDS), Plácido Micó, who was unable to specify details but for " reliable sources. "
According to sources, a number of people who are helping the injured have spoken of "a very significant number of casualties on both sides and have ensured that" has said all health-care. " At the moment we speak of "wounded, and perhaps one of the dead soldiers," they added.
The shooting occurred in an area relatively close to the presidential residence, including areas Elá Nguema and Nueva Esperanza and near Black Beach prison, but the country's president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, is not in Malabo, Bata but . Sources inside the opposition indicated that the Army has occupied the streets of this city, capital of the region.
The shooting has already completed after about four hours' duration. The authorities have advised people to stay in their homes and some companies have sent workers to their homes because of the uncertainty we live. The streets of the capital are "empty" and only witness of the army patrols on the streets and at junctions of the city center. "They are not recording the activities of Malabo," said Micó.
The first versions speak of a possible military revolt by foreign forces. In this regard two versions circulating, according to opposition sources indicated interior, which stated that currently it is "speculation" in the absence of official information.
On the one hand, it is said that forces loyal to the British mercenary Simon Mann - sentenced last summer to 34 years in prison for an Equatorial Guinea court for his alleged involvement in a coup against Obiang in 2004 - have tried to rescue him in the hospital de Guadalupe, where he was admitted a few days ago.
Moreover, the shooting has been attributed to the militia of the Movement of Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) in the country since last year. "Others speak of a coup d'etat", these sources added.
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Here and there...
Age: 58
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I hear that CHC has been given their marching orders out of Angola again. This must be the fourth time it's happened since the old Court days.
Sonair must be confident that they can go it alone and good luck to them.
Sonair must be confident that they can go it alone and good luck to them.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: 1 deg south, avoiding Malaria P Falciparium
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am , since 4am too
on my third cup of coffee... ran out of the costa rican, now drinking that powdered nescafe junk
what is this world comming too
on my third cup of coffee... ran out of the costa rican, now drinking that powdered nescafe junk
what is this world comming too
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: On the move!
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Africa SITREP
CHC is going to be out of Angola by Dec 09. The Super Puma L2 has just left and the A++ is leaving in Jul 09 and the C+ in Dec 09. None of these machines will be replaced!
Allot of the CHC crews in Luanda have jumped ship and is now flying for Sonair - package of EURO95,000/year with benefits. Sonair is in the process of getting more C+/C++ and will require more crews shortly.
Due to problems to get enough pilots trained within Sonair, they have also recruited a few CHC EC225 pilots from Nigeria and they will require quite a few more down the track - I think Sonair is looking more EC225s too!
Heli Malongo is doing well too and they will be launching the SAR C++ contract in Angola around 2012. Many of the pilots up there are trying to get that operation to IFR Offshore status, so the $$$ will increase nicely if they do so!
Starlite Aviation is doing well and is operating in Angola (Pumas), Ivory Coast (Pumas), Sudan (Pumas) and EG (S92 for the president). The S92 that was based in Luanda for the elections is now back in South Africa.
I have heard (through the rumour network) that Titan is trying to get in bed with PHI in South Africa as Titan cannot get access to C+/C++ helicopters for the contract renewal in George SA (Another old CHC contract serviced by S61s).
Cougar's 2 S92s and the EC135 have just left Angola, but they will be looking to expand their overseas operations in both Australia and the USA.
Allot of the CHC crews in Luanda have jumped ship and is now flying for Sonair - package of EURO95,000/year with benefits. Sonair is in the process of getting more C+/C++ and will require more crews shortly.
Due to problems to get enough pilots trained within Sonair, they have also recruited a few CHC EC225 pilots from Nigeria and they will require quite a few more down the track - I think Sonair is looking more EC225s too!
Heli Malongo is doing well too and they will be launching the SAR C++ contract in Angola around 2012. Many of the pilots up there are trying to get that operation to IFR Offshore status, so the $$$ will increase nicely if they do so!
Starlite Aviation is doing well and is operating in Angola (Pumas), Ivory Coast (Pumas), Sudan (Pumas) and EG (S92 for the president). The S92 that was based in Luanda for the elections is now back in South Africa.
I have heard (through the rumour network) that Titan is trying to get in bed with PHI in South Africa as Titan cannot get access to C+/C++ helicopters for the contract renewal in George SA (Another old CHC contract serviced by S61s).
Cougar's 2 S92s and the EC135 have just left Angola, but they will be looking to expand their overseas operations in both Australia and the USA.