Weststar forms JV with H&C SAS to broaden services

The deal aims to broaden WNDD's range of offerings to include mission critical services to current and prospective clients in the oil and gas industry, search and rescue and electronic manufacturing services sectors across Europe and Africa.

PETALING JAYA: Weststar Group’s offshore helicopter service company, Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd (WASSB), has formed a strategic partnership with Helicopter & Cooperation SAS (H&C) to expand the global reach of its European affiliate, Weststar NDD Srl (WNDD).

The deal aims to broaden the range of services of WNDD to offering mission critical services to current and prospective clients in the oil and gas industry, search and rescue and electronic manufacturing services sectors across Europe and Africa.

H&C is a joint venture between Paris based Avico Group and African headquartered Westair Aviation.

“We are delighted to welcome H&C to WNDD. Their extensive experience in the aviation industry will be invaluable to the continued growth and success of WNDD. The partnership will also enable WNDD 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.” said Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, the founder and chairman of WASSB stated in a release yesterday.

WNDD was formed in 2019, and has a fleet of nine Leonardo AW139, AW169, and AW189 helicopters with operations now mainly in Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Gabon, Namibia and Mauritania.

Under the terms of the agreement, H&C will hold a controlling equity interest while WASSB will continue as partner in WNDD’s development with no changes to the management of WNDD and its European Union Aviation Safety Agency structure, it noted.

WASSB has the largest helicopter fleet in Malaysia and southeast Asia with 34 helicopters. It has ventured into new markets such as Africa, Vietnam, and the Middle East, and added new service areas in the public and sustainable energy sectors.

Westair Aviation is a leading fixed wing and rotary wing aviation service provider operating across the African continent.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with WASSB to expand WNDD’s presence in Europe and Africa. At H&C, we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled services and exceeding our clients’ expectations.

“We believe that our partnership will be a win-win-win for both parties, as we work together to unlock new opportunities and drive growth in the aviation sector” said Westair Aviation managing director Gustav Holz.