Helicopters Shell selects Airbus H160 helicopter for PHI operations

Shell has selected US-offshore helicopter operator PHI to perform missions for the company in the Gulf of Mexico. This deal represents the H160´s entry into the oil and gas market. The partnership between the three companies is unique partnership.

Airbus will provide one H160 helicopter ahead of the final deliveries to PHI and Shell for a year-long route-proving programme. This will enable the operator and the final customer to get familiar with the aircraft and the type´s advanced features. Furthermore, possible challenges could be corrected ahead of full operations. In total, PHI will operate four H160s for Shell.

Airbus Helicopters Executive Vice President Global Business, Ben Bridge, said: “We greatly appreciate the innovative thinking of our customers in formulating this partnership around the H160 which will begin a new era of safety, reliability and environmental performance in the medium class of offshore operations.”

PHI Aviation Managing Director, Keith Mullett, added: “We are proud to be playing a key role in the entry into service of the highly advanced H160 in the offshore sector and we look forward to bringing a step change in operating standards through the confidence building route- proving exercise agreed with our partners Airbus and Shell.”

Shell Aircraft Vice President, Tony Cramp, commented: “Shell welcomes the opportunity to embrace new aviation technology and introduce this highly advanced and efficient aircraft to safely service our vibrant and growing offshore business in the US Gulf of Mexico.”

Shell has set a goal to reach zero net emissions by 2050, and these aircraft will help the company to reach that goal with the H160´s emission reduction. The aircraft is set to become the aircraft in Shell´s portfolio with the smallest carbon footprint.

PHI will base the first H160 helicopter, which is joining the fleet on the one-year route-proving programme, at Houma Louisiana. The company is already using a fleet of H125s and H135 which are deployed throughout the United States.

The H160 is powered by two Arrano engines from Safran Helicopter Engines and is one of the most technologically advanced helicopters in the industry. Several systems on board make it the perfect fit for a various range of missions.