KUALA LUMPUR: Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd, the largest offshore helicopter service provider in Southeast Asia, has formed a collaboration with Helicopter and Cooperation SAS (H&C) to widen the global presence of its European affiliate Weststar NDD Srl.
H&C is a joint venture between two aviation companies namely Paris-based Avico Group and Westair Aviation, which has a headquarters in Africa.
Weststar said the partnership would focus on expanding Weststar NDD’s range of services and market position in Europe and Africa.
“The focal point of the collaboration will be towards providing mission-critical services to Weststar NDD’s current and prospective clients in the oil and gas industry, search and rescue and electronic manufacturing services sectors between the two regions.”
Weststar added that the collaboration would enable Weststar NDD to capitalise on growth opportunities in the industry and at the same time to develop new synergies between fixed-wing aircraft operations to fit customer requirements.
Weststar founder and chairman Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim said the extensive experience of H&C would benefit the continued growth and success of Weststar NDD.
“The partnership will also enable Weststar NDD to strengthen its presence in the European and African offshore helicopter services market, which is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
“We are optimistic that with Avico and Westair’s established client base and access to exceptional growth prospects in these regions, we can capture a significant share of this growing market,” he said in a statement.
Westair Aviation managing director Gustav Holtz said the partnership would allow Weststar NDD to spread its wings in Europe and Africa.
“We believe that our partnership will be a win-win for both parties as we work together to unlock new opportunities and drive growth in the aviation sector,” Holtz said.
Avico Group founder and chairman Mourad Majoul said the partnership would bring real added value to customers from all the groups.
“Dedicated helicopter and airplane solutions can be deployed with the best safety and quality standards, thanks to the expertise and commitment of our joined teams,” he added.
Avico Group is based in France and operates in 11 countries across Europe, America and Africa.
The company has 26 years of experience under the belt within air transport services, including wet leases and charter flight brokerage, travel agency, ground handling, training, and asset management services, through various companies and commercial brands.
Westair Aviation has a long-standing history, having begun operations in 1967 as an aircraft maintenance facility.
With a large and diverse fleet of aircraft, Westair Aviation is a leading fixed wing and rotary-wing aviation service provider operating across the African continent.
Westair offers scheduled passenger services under the FlyNamibia brand, as well as aircraft charter, air cargo, ACMI, and medical evacuation services, catering to the diverse needs of its customers.