Helicopter lessor Milestone Aviation Group has delivered the first Lockheed Martin Sikorsky S-92 to Caverton Helicopters, the first of the type to be operated by a wholly locally owned African company. Caverton will use the 12-ton-class helicopter to support a deep offshore contract for helicopter logistics services, including crew changes.
“The introduction of the S-92 onto our fleet marks a significant milestone for the company and further demonstrates our commitment to meet the service requirements of our clients and grow our scope of capabilities as a Nigerian operator,” said Caverton accountable manager Rotimi Makanjuola. “Becoming an S-92 operator will undoubtedly enable the company to expand into service provision for clients that require additional payload and extended range for their missions.”
It’s the sixth helicopter Caverton is leasing from the GE Capital Aviation Services company, joining three Leonardo AW139s and two S-76C++s, according to Milestone head of emerging markets Michael York. He added that Milestone has put together training and entry-into-service programs with the delivery of the S-92 to Caverton. “The S-92 continues to be the workhorse of the offshore sector and through this transaction, we are not only cultivating a new operator for this aircraft type but expanding its footprint, which is critical for the industry,” York said.