Bristow Helicopters Sikorsky S-76C++ model
…Says Organisation Is Aware Of NAPIMS’s Moves
…Insists Safety Is Number One Core Value
As part of efforts to further assure its clients that safety is number one priority, Bristow Helicopters, said that it has engaged the service of an independent company to audit and review its operations.
This is just as the fixed wing giant hinted that it was aware that National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) has written to its clients asking them to terminate the contract between them and Bristow.
Bristow Helicopters, who revealed this in an online statement, stated that its imitative securing the services of an independent company to review its operations would be extend to other helicopter operators
“We are engaging an independent third party to conduct an additional review of Bristow’s operations in Nigeria, with the expectation that such initiative will also extend to include the review of other similar entities across the Nigerian oil and gas industry, so that best practices can be shared laterally across all operators to further enhance safety.” the statement reads
On the NAPIMS issue, the statement said, “We are aware that a number of our clients have received a letter from the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) requesting termination of Bristow’s services. We have engaged the authority and other government officials on the matter.”
Safety, the statement said is Bristow’s number one core value and that it remain focused on safety in all aspects of its operation.
According to Bristow, “We are in full compliance of all Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulatory requirements and Sikorsky operating directives and continue to fully cooperate with the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) in their investigation into the event of February 3, 2016.”
The statement hinted that a comprehensive audit has been performed by the NCAA, adding that it was also conducting series of additional safety assurance checks on the Sikorsky S-76 fleet as a precautionary measure prior to returning the aircraft to service.
NCAA, Bristow stated had also authorised that it commence test flights of the S-76 C++.
“We remain committed to continuing our safety work with all members of the aviation community, including other operators, to share best practices and support other initiatives that will help improve safety, and to honoring the contractual obligations with our customers.”Bristow said.
Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited has operated in Nigeria since 1969 and during that time has maintained high standards and safety values, and trained and employed a significant number of pilots and engineers in the industry in Nigeria.
A major contributor of trained manpower and facilities in the industry, Bristow has contributed its support to the nation’s aviation and oil & gas industry through its pilot and engineer training programs and donations to the two aviation colleges in the country,