Safomar Aviation – an African trailblazer

Safomar Aviation handed over the first of three Enstrom 480B helicopters to the Botswana Police Service Air Support Branch (BPS) late last year. The helicopters are fitted with specialised mission equipment selected by the BPS in order to support their operation.

A first in the southern hemisphere

The initial Enstrom 408B was the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere to be equipped with the latest Garmin, Tetra FM Radio System, Trakka Camera and Trakka Searchlight slaved to the Trakka Camera, Avalex Screen and Video Recorder, Safe Flight Power Line Detection, PA and Siren system, as well as offering EMS support for light medical evacuations.

The Enstrom 408B is one of the most economical helicopters to operate in its class, with an hourly operational rate of approximately $250.

Training

Pilots from the BPS came to South Africa for Enstrom 480B Helicopter Pilot Type Conversion Training in February. The pilot training for this project is facilitated by Safomar Aviation Operations, while the aircraft maintenance engineer training was facilitated by Mega Aero Training Academy. Both organisations are members of the Safomar Aviation Group of Companies.

All about Safomar Aviation

Established in 1987, Safomar Aviation offers a leading competitive edge to the commercial, military, corporate and general aviation sectors in South Africa and across Sub-Saharan Africa. It provides a full spectrum of aviation-related solutions across multiple platforms through its subsidiaries.

Customer support is provided 24/7 in both operators and maintenance facilities with world-class products and services. Safomar Aviation establishes long-term partnerships with both customers and principals. The company offers full sales and support services, as well as specific, tailor-made solutions across all platforms to meet clients’ business operational requirements and objectives. 

Operating from Modderfontein, Johannesburg, the Safomar Group is an aviation centre of excellence across the African continent. The company boasts 10 facilities specialising in aviation-related products and services, including pilot training, aviation technical training, helicopter maintenance and fixed-wing maintenance, and offers clients a  single source turnkey solution for all their aviation needs.