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.