• Bristow Group to introduce up to five Airbus H160 helicopters for offshore missions in Africa under a lease from Milestone Aviation.

• Morocco signs a contract for ten H225M helicopters to modernize its combat search and rescue fleet.

• Airbus says both deals reflect growing market momentum for advanced rotorcraft across Africa’s offshore and defense sectors.

On November 17, Bristow confirmed it will add up to five H160 helicopters to its African operations under a leasing arrangement with Milestone Aviation Group, marking the model’s first entry into Bristow’s fleet through a lessor. Airbus said the agreement reinforces the H160’s growing presence in the offshore energy segment, supported by recent regional certifications.

Bristow CEO Chris Bradshaw highlighted in the company’s statement that the new aircraft will strengthen the company’s ability to provide “safe, reliable, and efficient services” to energy clients across the continent. Milestone Aviation CEO Pat Sheedy described the deal as an important step in supplying operators with fuel-efficient, technologically advanced aircraft for mission-critical operations.

A day later, on November 18, Airbus announced that Morocco had signed a contract for ten H225M helicopters, to be operated by the Royal Moroccan Air Force for combat search and rescue missions. The aircraft will replace the ageing Puma fleet, which has been in service for more than 40 years. The H225Ms will be equipped with double hoists, a searchlight, Safran’s Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, machine-gun capability, and an electronic warfare self-protection suite.

Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno said Morocco’s decision “is another step in the partnership we have been building over the decades,” adding that the H225M’s strong performance record continues to make it a reference aircraft for complex missions globally. The contract includes a support and service package, reinforcing Airbus’s long-term footprint in the Kingdom.

The twin announcements illustrate Airbus’s strengthening position in Africa, where demand is increasing for aircraft that offer higher safety, better endurance, and versatility for offshore transport, search and rescue, defense, and special operations. Both the H160 and H225M are among the manufacturer’s next-generation rotorcraft, designed to operate in challenging environments while reducing operating costs and enhancing mission capabilities.

By Cynthia Ebot Takang