Helicopter operators restate commitment to safe air travels

Appoint first Nigerian on board 

HELICOPTERS operators under the auspices of HeliOffshore, have renewed their commitment to improving the aviation industry’s safety performance.

The group said it was prioritising technology, flight safety standards, sharing best practices and advocating harmonised safety standards for offshore helicopter operations.

Meanwhile, HeliOffshore has elected the Managing Director of Caverton Helicopters, Capt. Josiah Choms, into its board.

The global safety-focused organisation is formed by major providers of offshore helicopter transportation like Bristow, CHC, ERA and PHI.

As the first and only African to be so elected, Choms’ election is a credit not only to Caverton Helicopters, but also to Nigeria and indeed Africa, as he should be able to contribute positively to the safety performance of West African Offshore Aviation companies.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal, Choms stressed the importance of sharing best safety practices among the HeliOffshore operating members, noting: “This way, we will provide our passengers with the safest and most comfortable flight possible while proceeding to the offshore work-locations.”

According to him, Caverton Helicopters has been committed to the HeliOffshore mission of “collaborating for safety” and his talented safety professionals will play active role in the safety activity groups that have been formed by the association.

As MD of Caverton Helicopters, Choms brings to the board over 20 years experience in fixed wing and rotary wing operations. He also holds the Airplane Transport Pilot Licenses (Aeroplanes and Helicopters) and is a Certified Flight Instructor and an authorised examiner for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

Choms was appointed Caverton Helicopters MD as part of a strategic move to deepen the aviation logistics business of COSG.

The formation of HeliOffshore, which declared interest in working together on safety in offshore helicopter transport, was formally announced in London on October 21, 2014 by five major helicopter operators: Avincis, Bristow Group, CHC Helicopter, Era and PHI Inc.

The five major helicopter operators of HeliOffshore, formally called the International Offshore Helicopter Association, pledged to use cross-industry cooperation as a platform for enhancing the industry’s overall strong safety record by sharing best practices, developing and applying advanced technology, and encouraging common global flight standards.