Nigeria certifies new commercial helicopter service operator

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has licensed new entrant Genesis Global Aviation Limited (GGAL) to operate a commercial helicopter service across the country. Oscar Nkala reports.
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On Tuesday, company director Emmanuel Ihaenacho was presented with its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by NCAA Director of Operations Captain Abdullah Sidi in Lagos. Previously the company held an Airline Operating Permit (AOP), which allowed helicopter operations on a private basis. 

Ihaenacho said the company decided to invest in a commercial helicopter service because it had faith that despite the downturn in the aviation business, the Nigerian economy was resilient enough to survive the financial crunch. 

“We believe that the economic situation we are witnessing now is just a dip. We believe that there will be a rebound at some point in time.The future belongs to those who dare and who dares, wins. So we dare and we are investing in the helicopter industry,” he said.

The company operates a fleet of 6 Airbus Helicopters H155 aircraft. Apart from commercial operations, the company provides off and deep-shore shuttle services, surveillance support for pipelines and power generating companies, emergency medical evacuation and general logistics for personnel transit.

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