09.09.2024

The Introduction of AW169 in Côte d’Ivoire: The Story So Far

Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire – 09/09/2024

In 2023, NHV Côte d’Ivoire made a strategic move to modernise its fleet, replacing the aging Dauphin AS365N3 with the state-of-the-art Leonardo AW169.

6415 2

The first AW169, (registered as TU-HNA), arrived at our base in Abidjan in November 2023, marking a historic moment as the first of its kind in West-Africa.

This particular aircraft holds a special significance, as it is dedicated to the memory of one of our late, beloved colleagues, Abdel Kader Diakite.

The journey to get TU-HNA fully operational took about four months, during which the team worked hard to secure permanent registration. This involved updating operational and maintenance manuals to include the AW169 in our scope of services, a process that required approval from Côte d'Ivoire's aviation authority, ANAC.

By March 2024, TU-HNA was cleared for commercial flights, quickly followed by the arrival of a second AW169 (Reg TU-HNB) in July 2024.

Has the AW169 Improved Operations at NHV Côte d’Ivoire?

Since the AW169 joined NHV Côte d’Ivoire’s operations, there have been noticeable enhancements in both performance and safety. According to Flight Operations Manager, Massimo Bichisecchi, the AW169’s powerful engine and robust transmission significantly boosts safety, allowing for seamless take-offs and landings even under the most stringent performance requirements. This ensures that both passengers and crew can fly with confidence.

“Despite Côte d'Ivoire's challenging weather conditions, with high temperatures and humidity, the AW169 consistently performs take-offs and landings at maximum allowable weight while still meeting performance class one standards,” Massimo explained. The aircraft's advanced design also enhances passenger comfort, offering better seating arrangements and larger windows for improved views.

Upgrades to Maintenance Facilities

The arrival of the AW169 has also acted as a catalyst for significant improvements in NHV's maintenance operations. Maintenance Lead, May Verledens, shared that the base has undergone a complete overhaul to maintain the company's high maintenance standards.

“We’ve made major upgrades to our maintenance approach,” May noted. “The entire facility is currently being reorganized to enhance the quality and safety of our work.”

One of the key improvements is the installation of a new Base Maintenance Hangar, shipped from Europe, to provide better working conditions. The controlled temperature and humidity levels in the hangar create a more comfortable and efficient workspace for engineers during base maintenance procedures.

Chief Engineer, Maarten Bril, emphasised the positive impact of these changes: “The new hangar has created a welcoming and conducive environment for our engineers. This has not only boosted morale but has also enabled us to deliver more professional maintenance services.”

Maarten further added that their first approved base maintenance on the AW169 was a significant milestone: “Working on a new type of aircraft in such a well-equipped facility allowed us to focus more on inspections and deliver spotless results. This could open more opportunities for NHV, both within Africa and internationally.”

What Lies Ahead for the AW169 in West-Africa?

The introduction of the AW169, along with the substantial upgrades to our operations and maintenance infrastructure, positions NHV Côte d’Ivoire to become more competitive in the West African region. These developments set the company up for future contract wins across the sub-region.

As we look ahead, we hope that our fleet of AW169s will continue to brighten the offshore skies of West-Africa, providing safe and comfortable flights for our passengers for many years to come.