International energy group Shell has selected PHI, America's leading offshore operator, for offshore helicopter support. PHI will support with four Airbus H160s.
The contract marks the entry of the H160 into the oil and gas market with rich design features that promise new levels of safety, comfort and program reliability in offshore operations.
Airbus, PHI and Shell collaborate in a unique partnership. In a pioneering move, Airbus will provide an H160 prior to final deliveries to PHI and Shell, with a one-year route proofing program to help the operator and customer become familiar with the advanced features of the H 160 and reduce entry difficulties.
Deployed at PHI headquarters in Lousiana Houma. Used in emergency medical services throughout the United States, there is a large H125 and H135 helicopters, as well as two H145s working for Shell on pipeline surveys in Louisiana and two H145 using the world's longest port pilot shuttle in Mackay, Australia will join the company fleet.
"We highly appreciate the innovative thinking of our customers in formulating this partnership around the H160, which will usher in a new era of safety, reliability and environmental performance in mid-range offshore operations," said Ben Bridge, Vice President of Global Affairs, Airbus Helicopters. said.
Keith Mullett, Managing Director of PHI Aviation, said: “We are proud to play a key role in the commissioning of the highly sophisticated H160 in the offshore industry and hope to bring changes to operating standards with the trust-building route verification program agreed with our partners Airbus and Shell. " said.
"While Shell is adopting new aviation technology, we will introduce this highly advanced efficient helicopter to safely serve our dynamic and growing offshore operations in the US Gulf of Mexico," said Tony Cramp, Vice President of Shell Aircraft. said.
With 68 patents, the H160 is the world's most technologically advanced helicopter and features unprecedented pilot assistance packages delivered through Helionix avionics that significantly reduce crew workload and reduce the risk of pilot error.
These packages include the world's first ground helipad-assisted takeoff procedure, a vortex ring condition pre-warning system, and a rescue mode to automatically regain steady flight in difficult conditions.
The H160 is powered by two of the latest Arrano engines of Safran Helicopter Engines, as well as an embedded monitoring system and sensor redundancy and can be kept fundamentally independent. The design emphasizes the robust corrosion defense that anticipates especially offshore missions.
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