Angolan funding first as Bestfly grows helicopter fleet

Angolan operator BestFly is adding four new AW169 helicopters to its growing fleet following funding from the Angolan Bank of Investments (BAI).

Africa's oil & gas helicopter fleet boosted by the most modern equipment - the AW169 - in operation with BestFly from August 1 (Image: Leonardo)

The Leonardo helicopters will be operated by BestFly in Malongo on the Cabinda Gulf Oil Company (Chevron) field supporting blocks 0 and 14.

The first two helicopters arrived in Angloa on July 28 and will begin service in the field on Monday (August 1) with an Angolan commander and crew.

The 31.5m Euro financing is a significant first in the south west African country as it made BAI the first Angolan banking financial institution to grant credit for the acquisition of aircraft to a national private entity

Bestfly CEO, Capt. Nuno Pereira said: “This financing from BAI allows our company to leverage support to the oil & gas and mining industry, maximizing the continuity of oil exploration in Angola with the highest standard of operational safety, and excellence service, being the most modern helicopters on the market, placing BestFly as a benchmark in the national and regional aviation industry”.

Alan Peaford

Alan Peaford MBE

Alan is a regular broadcaster and is the consultant editor-in-chief and presenter for Times Aerospace TV and is a regular commentator on aviation issues for many global broadcasting channels. He is conference chairman of the Aviation Africa summit and the Aviation MENA summit and has moderated or chaired conferences for organisations such as IATA, DCAA, the Global Aerospace Summit and business aviation associations in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

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