SonAir Airline Services, a subsidiary of Angolan state energy firm, Sonangol, has ordered two AW139 twin-engine helicopters from Italian multinational aerospace company Leonardo as part of efforts to improve support services across Angola’s energy industry.
Following delivery in Q1, 2023, the two helicopters will provide transport services across Angola’s rapidly expanding oil and gas industry, replacing SonAir’s ageing helicopter fleet and modernizing the company’s services.
Well designed to operate in harsh conditions similar to those experienced in massive oil and gas infrastructure developments offshore, the AW139 model ordered by SonAir represents one of Leonardo’s bestselling models, delivering outstanding capabilities, technology and safety, with over 1,250 units having been ordered from more than 290 customers in over 80 countries.
For Leonardo, the deal further solidifies the company’s expansion across the African market while for SonAir, and by proxy Sonangol, further demonstrates the company’s commitment to modernizing energy services and strengthening operations in Angola.
The delivery comes at a time when Angola has taken over Nigeria as the biggest oil producer in Africa and the county’s newest and biggest independent, Azule Energy – a joint venture combining Eni and bp’s Angolan businesses –, has recently started operating. With targets to produce 250,000 barrels per day over the next five years by Azule, and gas projects such as the Cameia–Golfinho; Agogo; and Quiluma and Maboqueiro developments set to be developed through 2030, the demand for modern transportation services offshore Angola is set to increase significantly.
