Five-bladed Airbus H145 Touches Down in West Africa

Since early 2025, an H145 helicopter has been engaged in offshore missions in the Ivory Coast with International Aircraft Services (IAS). This initiative marks the beginning of a promising venture, as the versatility and performance of the five-bladed H145 indicate a prosperous future throughout Africa.

“The arrival of this aircraft in the Ivory Coast is directly linked to the operations of the Italian operator ENI,” emphasises Hugues Moreau, the group’s CEO. “Following the discovery of a major oil field, we secured the contract to support offshore operations by proposing the H145.” The aircraft has become part of a fleet of several Dauphin helicopters stationed in Abidjan, which carry out various missions such as offshore transport, VIP services, and medical evacuations. The H145 reached its destination in early 2025 following a five-day ferry flight. The aircraft was piloted by two individuals who received training at Kopter Safety in Finland. IAS now employs five pilots qualified to operate the H145.

Alexandra Rotaru, Commercial Director, highlights that “ENI’s choice of this helicopter was notably driven by its lower carbon footprint compared to competitor aircraft. The H145 is qualified to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and it’s also more cost-effective to operate, more efficient and requires less maintenance. In short, it offers superior competitiveness.”

The main mission of the aircraft is to transport personnel to offshore energy platforms situated approximately 50 nautical miles from the coast. This close distance enables the H145 to operate at full capacity, accommodating two pilots and eight passengers along with their luggage. When necessary, the helicopter can be equipped with a winch or stretcher for the medical evacuation of pre-stabilised patients. It is IFR certified and capable of operating in all weather conditions.

“Our aircraft is operational six days a week, performing one to four rotations daily,” says Hugues Moreau. “Flights are made to production platforms, facilities for exploratory drilling and supply vessels. In total, hundreds of people rely on the helicopter’s mobility day and night.” And that’s how the H145, with its maintenance covered by a pay-by-the-hour (PBH) contract with Airbus Helicopters, accumulates 50 to 80 flight hours each month. The success is undeniable. Having proven itself in the Ivory Coast, the H145 would readily prove useful in any other geographical area. “Certainly, we acquired it to honour the contract with ENI, but we’d have no difficulty redeploying it elsewhere within our operations,” explains Alexandra Rotaru. This observation perfectly aligns with IAS’s ambitions, which extend far beyond the Ivory Coast, aiming for gradual expansion across the entirety of West Africa. “One of our objectives for the coming months is to introduce a second H145 into the region,” acknowledges Hugues Moreau.