Gabon launches 3rd airline to fly oil & gas companies’ staff

Gabon’s civil aviation, ANAC, has issued an operation permit to Gabon Aero Solutions, a private airline using helicopters, to transport personnel of oil and gas companies operating in the central African country.

Christophe Lacombe, a helicopter pilot, is the project director. Based in capital Libreville, the company is launched with private capital gathered from Gabonese investors.

Gabon Aero Solutions fleet is made of medium-weight multipurpose twin-engine helicopter, AS365 N3, made by aircraft maker Airbus.

The company is also planning to incorporate in the future 15-seat medium-sized twin-engined helicopter AgustaWestland AW139.

“The strategy of Gabon Aero Solutions is to support the main industrial actors who need a logistic support by helicopter, to accompany Gabon in the development of its tourism and to come also to support the populations by the installation of an emergency medical service by helicopter,” Lacombe indicated.

Gabon Aero Solutions is entering a market already controlled by Avantis Aviation & Services and Héli-Union Gabon.