Tag Archives: Aviation Central
Ultimate Aviation Group Agrees To Acquire Offshore Helicopter Services UK Ltd From CHC Helicopter Group
Ultimate Aviation Group is pleased to announce it has finalised an agreement for the purchase of Offshore Helicopter Services UK Limited (OHS UK) from CHC Helicopter Group (CHC).
OHS UK have provided world-class transportation for the UK’s offshore Oil and Gas industry for more than 40 years. They operate a modern fleet of Airbus H175, Sikorsky S92 and Leonardo AW139 helicopters from their main operating bases in Aberdeen and Sumburgh for various customers in the North Sea.
OHS UK was acquired by CHC from FTSE 250 company Babcock International Group plc in 2021, along with Babcock’s offshore oil and gas operations in Denmark and Australia. Following a Phase 2 investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the CMA determined in August 2022 that CHC would be required to divest OHS UK, and an auction process was undertaken for this purpose. A sale and purchase agreement was signed on 30 December 2022 under which CHC agreed to sell OHS UK to Ultimate Aviation Group.
The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including the final approval of the sale by the CMA, and is expected to complete in the first calendar quarter of 2023.
Shaun Roseveare, Chief Executive Officer of Ultimate Aviation, said: “ The acquisition is set for final closure shortly, and the integration of OHS UK into Ultimate Aviation will be seamless for customers and they can expect the same high level of service they have come to expect from both companies. This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for Ultimate Aviation and we are looking forward to continue offering our customers the best services possible and expanding our reach to new regions.”
SAPS Johannesburg air support operations receives a boost with new H125 Airbus Helicopter
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola has officially handed over a brand new H125 airbus helicopter to the Division: Visible Policing and Operations to bolster the organisation’s crime combatting efforts.
The newly procured H125 airbus adds to the SAPS existing fleet of helicopter’s across the country whose aim is to provide air support in crime prevention operation’s as well as Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony held at the Grand Central Airport in Midrand, General Masemola says resourcing and equipping the SAPS operational environments remains a top priority for the SAPS.
“This helicopter came at the very right time when we are entering the peak of our festive season operations, there is work out there cut for its size. We continue to resource our visible and operational response environment with vehicles and other resources to strengthen our crime combatting efforts. For now, this helicopter will be based in Gauteng to bolster crime combatting operations”, said General Fannie Masemola.
The SAPS Airwing unit consists of aircrafts and helicopter’s which are responsible for policing operations ranging from routine patrols to Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, to support operations for high risk units which include the Special Task Force (STF), the Counter Assault Team(CAT), the National Intervention Unit (NIU), Tactical Response Teams (TRT) and the Public Order Police (POP) units. They also provide Operational Support during public unrests and crowd control operations, Vehicle, Stock as well as Game Theft Operations.
They mainly focus on tracking and tracing suspects in high risk incidents such as Cash-In-Transit(CIT) heists, Armed Robberies, Hijacking’s and a host of other serious and violent crimes.
Police officers who are deployed to work on board are called Airborne Law Enforcement Officers (ALEO). Apart from providing air support to specialised teams on the ground, these members are trained in assisting SAPS pilots with observations and also reading of aerial maps.
Pilatus Delivers First PC-12 NGX to Tradewind Aviation
Tradewind Aviation accepted delivery of their first PC-12 NGX during a ceremonial handover at the Pilatus US subsidiary in Broomfield, Colorado. The delivery marks the first of twenty PC-12 NGXs to be delivered to Tradewind’s headquarters in Oxford, Connecticut, over the next five years.
Pilatus and Tradewind Aviation executives gathered to celebrate the milestone at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. David Zipkin, Tradewind co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, shared: “We’re thrilled to take delivery of the first of twenty brand-new PC-12 NGX aircraft. Tradewind is the largest US operator of Pilatus PC-12s for private charter, and these new aircraft will further expand our ability to grow and serve our clients with the very best flight experience. The PC-12 NGX provides the perfect balance of efficiency, comfort and superior performance for shorter flights and hard-to-reach destinations, allowing our clients to save precious time and focus on what’s most important to them.”
Pilatus’ most advanced single-engine turboprop, the PC-12 NGX, will join Tradewind’s fleet of PC-12s, further expanding their private charter options throughout North America and the remote islands of the Caribbean.
Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd’s President & CEO, Thomas Bosshard stated: “The PC-12 continues to lead the industry as the global fleet approaches 2,000 aircraft and ten million flight hours. The demand remains very strong among new and returning customers looking to upgrade. Our customers, especially fleet and charter operators, value the PC-12 NGX’s reliability, performance and elevated passenger experience. We are pleased to celebrate this ceremonial delivery with Tradewind, and look forward to commemorating their future growth and success.”
Eric Zipkin, Tradewind Aviation co-founder & President, added: “I am proud of all that the team at Tradewind have been able to accomplish in the past 20 years. From humble beginnings with a single plane, we have grown to a fleet of 23 and a team of over 220, firmly establishing Tradewind as the leader in so many premium markets, including the Northeast and Caribbean. The continued investment in, and expansion of, our Pilatus fleet is evidence of Tradewind’s continued growth and increased demand for private charter and we are thankful to our loyal guests and team for making this possible.”
Africa Aerospace and Defence 2022
The Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition Trade show and Airshow made a welcome return to Air Force Base Waterkloof in the City of Tshwane from 21-25 September 2022. The show hosted three trade days and two airshow days where the public could witness Africa’s biggest airshow.
With the obvious pandemic that we should all be aware of. Africa Aerospace and Defence was not allowed to take place during 2020, as it also formed part of the South African Airforce centenary year.
The first trade show was opened by the minister of defence Thandi Modise. She mentioned
“This eleventh edition of AAD will bring together the largest gathering of aerospace and defence industry decision makers and buyers from around the world, including many from Africa.”
“The defence industry plays a key role in assisting the SANDF to discharge its
constitutional mandate of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
South Africa and to secure our nation. By ensuring security and stability, the
SANDF, in turn, helps to create an enabling environment for economic growth
and development. “
” Through our peacekeeping missions, we are similarly contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity on our continent.”
Before we move on the show, the show would not have happened without the Department of Defence, stakeholders and sponsors, the AAD team, and especially the Airboss Colonel Keith Fryer, Colonel Keith Andrews, and Colonel Keith Wilkinson, Airforce Base Waterkloof for putting such a great show together with your team of ramp controllers, ATCs, pilots and ground crew.
As most of the hangar space was used up by local and foreign exhibitors. The apron had a number of static aircraft from both the South African Air Force and the United States Airforce and Civilian aircraft both fixed wing and helicopters.
Capital Sounds and Brian Emmenis proved a kilometer and more of the audio cable to provide commentary to this year’s AAD.
The sound of Mr airshow brings back all the memories of big airshows at Waterkloof during our youth.
The airshow featured a cavalcade of emergency vehicles that were lucky not needed during the duration of the two airshow days.
Hangar 51 provided a flying display from their Aero L29 Delphin flown by Grant Timms, this was Grant’s first L29 display on the highveld. The L39 Albatross was also displayed as part of the civilian jet contingent by Pierre Gouws.
Andrew Blackwood-Murray flew a solo aerobatic display in his Nashua Extra 300L.
Pierre Gouws also flew the first FlySafair Boeing 737-800 display together with SAFAIRs outgoing Lockheed L100-30.
The Raptor RVs were also led by Pierre Gouws as there provided tight formation aerobatics in form of the kit-built aircraft.
The South African Airforce provided a number of assets to this year’s Africa Aerospace and Defence. 2 Squadron had three Gripens with a flying display by Colonel Musa “Midnite” Mbhokota. Six Hawks, a solo display by Major Rehan “Kaine” Venter.
The Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team with a four-ship route with team 84 flying their first display led by new team leader Major Lucky Malloks. A solo display from Central Flying School Langebaanweg by Falcon 5 Major Diaan Grobbelaar. Major Grobbelaar used to be the Agusta A109LUH display pilot before moving on to Central Flying School to become an instructor.
41 Squadron with the “Pointer formation” consisting of four Cesena C208A Caravans flew a diamond formation before breaking off for singleton flypasts during their show.
A skydive drop made up of members from the Pretoria Military Skydiving club and other units in the SANDF used a 44 Squadron Casa 212 “8011” as their jumpship for their skydive drop.
From the rotary assets, we had 15 Squadron Charlie Flight BK117 display flown by Major Corrie Oberholzer with flight engineer Sargent VD van Dalen, together with Major Paul “Raccoon” Kempthorn in the 16 Squadron Rooivalk.
The highlight of any AAD airshow is the mini-war, in which you get to see a number of helicopters, Transport aircraft, Jets, and armored vehicles.
Three Oryx Helicopters, Two Agusta A109s, Two BK117s, One Rooivalk from various helicopter squadrons from across South Africa, Casa 212-300, C130BZ, and four Hawk MK120 made up of the aerial assets in that slot of the program.
The South African Police Airwing also put on a threat-type scenario of a hijacked Cessna Sovereign that got escorted by two 85 Combat Flying School Hawk MK120s. Once on the ground SAPS task force and bomb squad members were brought in by SAPS Airwing Airbus H125 and 15 Squadron BK117s helicopters.
The United States Airforce brought two Boeing C17 Globemasters, a KC46 Pegasus Tanker, HC130 Combat King Hercules, and an HH-60 Pavehawk Helicopter. The HC130 and Pavehawk provided a flying display of aerial refueling.
The Airforce of Zimbabwe was present with a Casa 212 and two K8s. The K8 display was flown by display pilots wing commander Lizwe Mahlangu and squadron leader Norman Taurai Marodza.
The South African Airforce Museum flew most of its flying exhibits, two Alouette IIs, two Alouette IIIs, Aerospatiale Puma, and two Cessna C185s, and a solo display included. Solo Aerobatics from Harvard “Nelson” 7111 display by Martin “Marlow” Louw. A Kudu was also a jump ship for a few Pretoria Military Skydive members.
Juba Joubert flew an Alouette II display and Andre van Zyl flew the Magni Gyrocopter display. Henley Air also displayed two of their Bell 222s.
Menno Parsons was welcomed back at AAD with the only flying type of its kind on African soil the P51D “Mustang Sally”.
High-energy aerobatics were performed by the Iveco Extra 330s flown by Nigel Hopkins and Jason Beamish. The two also flew in the Goodyear Eagles Pitts Specials team joined by Johan von Solms and Trevor Warner.
Ivan and Jeandre van der Schaar performed their first display at AAD with the Classic radial Boeing Stearman and RC Extra aircraft duo or better known as the father and son duo.
Excujet provided a display of their Challenger business jet that was seen flying on Saturday and a brief appearance of a Learjet 45 on Friday’s validations.
The Hired Gun Pitts specials also flew their four Pitts specials on the afternoon slot of the show on Saturday.
Flare drops were probably the highlight for any camera user from 28 Squadron on their Lockheed C130BZ, 85 Combat Flying School Hawk MK120, and 16 Squadron Rooivalk during the later part of the program of the show on both days.
The Puma Flying Lions Harvards led by Scully Levin performed a sunset show on both Saturday and Sunday bringing a fittingly spectacular end to AAD 2022.
Well done to everyone involved. We were proud to be the official media partner during the duration of the trade and Airshow and build up to the event
We look forward to the ninth edition of AAD in 2024. Join the #AAD2024 event page by clicking on the banner below!
Please Browse Through Our Pictures Below
Flippie van Emmenis – #AAD2022
#AAD2022, Africa Aerospace and Defence 2022, After a 4-year absence and the SAAF100 celebrations being missed in 2020, all South Africans were hungry for a good Airshow. With tight finances, Fuel costs, COVID, and war in Ukraine everyone, including myself was skeptical if AAD2022 was going to happen, but even with all these major negative impacts AAD2022 did take place, and what a good show it was. The crowd was just amazing, the most cheerful and cheering crowd I ever witnessed at an Airshow, The Airboss did a fantastic job putting together and flight program like that we saw, Was just wow. The Static display and exhibition halls could have been fuller, but again, no one has the budget for that now! From end to end I will give 7/10 (9/10 Airshow and 5/10 exhibition side)
Woza #AAD2024 and we at Aviation Central will once again be sharing you all with information regarding the buildup to Africa Aerospace and Defence 2024. Our next focus will be the SAAF Museum 50th Birthday celebrations at Swartkop Air Force base in 2023.
Photos by Flippie van Emmenis, Click to enlarge photos
Airshow 2022 Program Final
The Airboss for #AAD2022 released the Final Air display program to us.
Saturday and Sunday program is almost similar for the two days.
Note although this is labeled as the final program, this can still change due to Aircraft or Pilot availability.
Also, Read
Do’s and Don’ts attending an Airshow
About Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2022)
AAD 2022 is Ready!
See USAF Tanking HC130/HH60 Demo at 15:15
Airshow 2022 Program
Slot Time | Slot End | Air Display Item (SATURDAY) | Air Display Item (SUNDAY) | Aircraft Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
Show Opening | Show Opening | |||
09:00 | 09:10 | Hawk Display (SAAF) | Hawk Display (SAAF) | BAE Hawk 120 (SAAF) |
09:10 | 09:20 | Museum Harvard (SAAFM) | Museum Harvard (SAAFM) | Harvard (SAAFM) |
09:20 | 09:30 | Pointer Formation | Pointer Formation | C208s (SAAF) |
09:30 | 09:40 | Extra Advanced Aerobatics | Extra Advanced Aerobatics | Extra 300LP (Nashua) |
09:40 | 09:50 | Gyrocopoter | Gyrocopoter | Magni Gyro |
09:50 | 10:00 | Raptors | Raptors | 4 x RV7/8s |
10:00 | 10:10 | Golden Eagles Paradrop (SAAFM) | Golden Eagles Paradrop (SAAFM) | Kudu (all SAAFM Aircraft) |
10:10 | 10:20 | Chopper Display (SAAFM) | Chopper Display (SAAFM) | Puma, Alo-III, Alo-II |
10:20 | 10:30 | Fixed Wing Formo (SAAFM) | Fixed Wing Formo (SAAFM) | Bosbok/Kudu/C185 |
10:30 | 10:40 | L-29 Display | L-29 Display | L-29 (Hangar 51) |
10:40 | 10:45 | Hawk Scramble/Intercept | Hawk Scramble/Intercept | Sovereign (SAPS)/Hawks (SAAF) |
10:45 | 11:00 | Silver Falcons (SAAF) | Hired Gun Pitts Team | Falcons (SAAF)/4 x Pitts 2B |
11:00 | 11:40 | SAPS Hijacking | SAPS Hijacking | Cessna Sovereign (SAPS) |
Hawks Intercept (SAAF) | ||||
H125 (SAPS) | ||||
BK117s (SAAF) | ||||
11:40 | 11:50 | Zimbabwe (AFZ) | Zimbabwe (AFZ) | Karakorum K-8 (AFZ) |
11:50 | 12:00 | BK117 Display (SAAF) | BK117 Display (SAAF) | BK-117 (SAAF) |
12:00 | 12:10 | SAFAIR B737/C130 | SAFAIR B737/C130 | C-130/B737 (SAFAIR) |
12:10 | 12:20 | SAFAIR C130 | Silver Falcons (SAAF) | 4 x PC-7 MkII (SAAF) |
12:20 | 12:30 | SANDF Paradrop | SANDF Paradrop | Casa 212/C208s (SAAF) |
12:30 | 12:40 | Good Year Team | Good Year Team | 4 x Pitts Specials (Good Year) |
12:40 | 12:50 | CFS Solo Display (SAAF) | CFS Solo Display (SAAF) | PC-7 MkII (SAAF) |
12:50 | 13:00 | Alo-II Helicopter Display | Alo-II Helicopter Display | Alo II (Pvt) |
13:00 | 13:15 | Puma Flying Lions | Puma Flying Lions | 4 x Harvards (PUMA) |
13:15 | 13:30 | IVECO Extras | IVECO Extras | 2 x Extra 330SC (IVECO) |
13:30 | 14:00 | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | |
C130/Casa212 | ||||
Mini War - Aircraft Airborne | Mini War - Aircraft Airborne | Gripen/Hawk | ||
Oryx/A109s/BK117s | ||||
14:00 | 14:45 | Mini War - C130/Casa 212 (SAAF) | Mini War - C130/Casa 212 (SAAF) | C130/Casa212 |
Mini War Fighters (SAAF) | Gripen/Hawk (SAAF) | Gripen/Hawk | ||
Mini War - Choppers (SAAF) | Mini War - Choppers (SAAF) | Oryx/A109s/BK117s | ||
14:45 | 15:00 | L-39 | L-39 | L-39 (Pvt) |
15:00 | 15:15 | Silver Falcons (SAAF) | Silver Falcons (SAAF) | 4 x PC-7 MkII (SAAF) |
15:15 | 15:30 | USAF Tanking | BK117 Display (SAAF) | HC130 & HH60 (USAF) |
15:30 | 15:45 | USAF Pave Hawk | Stearman/RC (Sunday) | Boeing Stearman/RC |
15:45 | 16:00 | Hawk Display (SAAF) | Hawk Display (SAAF) | BAE Hawk Mk120 |
16:00 | 16:15 | Mustang Sally | Mustang Sally | P51D Mustang |
16:15 | 16:25 | Henley/Rocket HEMS Bell 222 | Henley/Rocket HEMS Bell 222 | Bell 222/Rescue |
16:25 | 16:40 | Henley Air 222 | Henley Air 222 | Bell 222 |
16:40 | 16:50 | Extra Advanced Aerobatics | Extra Advanced Aerobatics | Extra 300LP (Nashua) |
16:50 | 17:00 | Mass Para Drop C130 (SAAF) | Mass Para Drop C130 (SAAF) | C130 (Flares) |
17:00 | 17:15 | Attack Helicopter Duo (SAAF) | Attack Helicopter Duo (SAAF) | Rooivalk/BK117 (Flares) |
17:15 | 17:20 | Fighter Flypast (SAAF) | Fighter Flypast (SAAF) | 4 x Hawks |
17:20 | 17:30 | Gripen Sunset (SAAF) | Gripen Sunset (SAAF) | SAAB Gripen (Flares) |
17:30 | 17:45 | Puma Lions Flat Display | Puma Lions Flat Display | 4 x Harvards |