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

Are they out of Cameroon, then?

Oops, forgot they're still there, I guess that's how rumors start :O

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.

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:ok:opefully they will move towards competitiveness in the Offshore market soon.

Are Cougar stll in Angola, then? I thought they had just been there for the elections.

It would be nice if a new face arrived on the block.

With all the political instability, security issues and logistical problems in our beloved deepest darkest, I'm not surprised. If anyone had the choice I'm sure they will also avoid Africa, but money makes the world go around. Especially if other people "risk their lives and sanity" in the swamps on your behalf, while you and shareholders reap the benefit.

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........:ugh:

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.

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?

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.

Heard along the vine two C+'s inbound too Luanda!

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.

contact details
 

hi has any one got contact details for Heli Malongo engineering in angola plz?

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.

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.

I am pretty sure Bristow are in Ghana as well. Takaoradi to be precise.

Still looking to talk to pilots that fly there.
HF

malabo gunfights
 

Anyone currently in Malabo or Bata have info on the aftermath of the shoot em up earlier this month?

It should be phrased "Who's up in the rest of Africa"? I am up since 4am:E

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

Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude, welcome to the club!!!:ok:

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.

well i guess they have either all been shot in Malabo or they don't prune.

Heli Malongo/Sonair contacts
 

I have been in Angola for quite a few years...so I have seen all the transitions from Court...to CHC Africa...to CHC Global!

Sonair Details:

Flight Operations Director: [email protected]
Chief Pilot: [email protected]
AS332 Fleet Captain: [email protected]
S76 Fleet Captain: [email protected]
Commercial Manager: [email protected]

Heli Malongo Details:

Director LSG/Heli Malongo (Jose Leite Velho): [email protected]
Heli Malongo (Pascal de Lussac): [email protected]
Chevron Aviation Manager (Part of Heli Malongo): [email protected]

Good luck dudes! Let me know if you requrie any addtional help!

None of them have been shot, just painfully slow internet. From what I've heard from the boys things are back to normal. Rumours of a curfew and or travelling in pairs etc.. but not sure.

Chopper Jog,

Any idea whether they are hiring engineers for Luanda?

Chopper Jog 9MW0, you still with CHC or have you moved on to Sonangol. Missed you in Nigeria

UL.
I know Sonair were looking for engineers last month, pay and rotation okay, but not sure about benefits, per-diem, accomadation.

Career Change after many years with "Hummingbird"
 

Hi Heli Jet,

I am now flying Pumas and the S92s for an African company! I was looking forward to the EC225 in Nigeria but the new offer was better - always nice to pick up another rating in the process too!

I believe a few of the CHC 225 drivers have jumped ship down to Angola with Sonair - better place than Nigeria but difficult environment...as you are well aware. Angola is going through allot of expansion and will be looking for more pilots in the near future.

What is news up your way?

Cheers,

CJ

Heli Malongo
 

Anybody have any info about whats happening with the fixed wing ops at chevron.. heard they are aquiring Q400s and another 300...are they looking for pilots and engineers at this point??

747 jock,

I think you have to sack your rumour control officer as MH did not offer "ancient S76A" helicopters for Mauritania!!

I am told that MHS have sent 2 x S76 C

How long a contract have MHS got in Mauritania ?

S76C..... just another A++ then. I wonder why oil companies still really want to operate these underpowered antiques in hot, humid climates, unless they're looking to carry small payloads at low cost :ugh:

Why pay for an expensive C+ or C++ when a C can do the task. The engine may have a little less power, but that's about it. More expensive glass cockpit...spare etc..for a C+ or C++.

I know my Malaysian friends are more than capable to do the task even in Africa.

MHS have a 3 plus 2 contract..I'm told..

A little less power! In practice when I've flown the 2 in hot, humid climates it's 3 or 4 passengers less power. I've experienced few problems with glass cockpits and other than that spares for 76s cost the same.

It's not a matter of where your colleagues are from, it's a case of what the aircraft can do and in my old company the older A++ and Cs spent more time on the ground than the C+s, cost more to maintain and carried much smaller payloads. I believe that even a Bell 407 can carry more and at a lower price.

Mamaput:

Of course the C+ can carry more payload than the C. But let's not forget that payload is also a function of sector distances.

In case you are not aware, the offshore location is a mere 52 nms from Nouakchott and the S76C is able to meet the client's requirement to carry at least 9 pax each way.

Helicopter in Sudan
 

Anyone know what companies are working in Southern Sudan for oil industry?

Schreiner
 

Schreiner used to. They encountered big problems with the local environment. Sand is not good for a helicpter. Maybe CHC would consider foing there again?

Everett Aviation of Nairobi were operating out there 2 to 3 years ago. Everett Aviation

HHE,
CHC left the Sudan because of "political pressure" . It had to do with operating Bell machines in the country and the sanctions in place due to the Darfur situation.
Much the same as happened in Myanmar, I believe.

hey stopped perating the Bells there quite a few years ago after the political pressure from the Americans, but continued for quite a while after that with the ex-Schreiner Dauphins from Nigeria and Iran

Thanks 747.

Anyone else (was or is) flying in or around Ghana?

Needing some info.

HF