Five-Bladed Airbus H145 Touches Down in West Africa

Since early 2025, a five-bladed Airbus H145 has been operating offshore missions in Ivory Coast with operator IAS, marking the start of what promises to be a broader presence across Africa.

Multi-Mission Capability

“The arrival of this aircraft in Ivory Coast is directly linked to the operations of the Italian operator ENI,” said Hugues Moreau, IAS CEO. Following the discovery of a major oil field, IAS secured a contract to support offshore operations using the H145. The helicopter joined a fleet of Dauphin helicopters in Abidjan, performing offshore transport, VIP services, and medical evacuations. It arrived after a five-day ferry flight, piloted by two pilots trained at Kopter Safety in Finland. IAS now has five H145-qualified pilots.

Cost-Effective and Efficient

Alexandra Rotaru, Commercial Director, highlighted that ENI chose the H145 for its lower carbon footprint and ability to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). “It is more cost-effective, efficient, and requires less maintenance, offering superior competitiveness,” she said.

The helicopter primarily transports personnel to offshore energy platforms about 50 NM from the coast, carrying two pilots and eight passengers plus luggage. It can also be equipped with a winch or stretcher for medical evacuations and is IFR certified for operations in all weather conditions.

Operational Success

“Our aircraft operates six days a week, completing one to four rotations daily,” said Moreau. The H145 serves production platforms, exploratory drilling sites, and supply vessels, accumulating 50–80 flight hours per month under a pay-by-the-hour (PBH) maintenance contract with Airbus Helicopters.

Having proven itself in Ivory Coast, the H145 is ready for deployment elsewhere in West Africa. “While it was acquired for the ENI contract, we could easily redeploy it elsewhere in our operations,” said Rotaru. IAS plans to introduce a second H145 in the region in the coming months, reflecting its ambition for gradual expansion across West Africa.