By Rita Okoye

It was a day of fun and excitement, as a new helicopter shuttle service, Tropical Arctic Logistics Limited (TAL), a subsidiary of Baywood Continental Limited launched her newly acquired six fleet of AW139 helicopter, S92 and a Challenger fixed wing business Executive Jet.

Speaking at a press conference which took place at EAN FBO & Maintenance Facility at Ikeja, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tropical Arctic Logistics Limited, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe intimated members of press about the importance of the business and why it is pivotal at this time that a new helicopter shuttle service should be introduced to the masses in Nigeria.

He also noted that although it was capital intensive, having spent over $160M to acquire the fleets, the Nigerian aviation industry needed something different from the regulars.

According to him, “TAL’s objective is to bridge the gap in the industry in terms of provision of quality service delivery, safety, professionalism with high degree of customer service delivery. This helicopter is the first in our fleet to arrive as we hope to take delivery of two more AW139 helicopters, one S92 helicopter and a Gulfstream before the end of the year.”

When answering questions from reporters, Emperor Chris said TAL was founded in accordance with the Nigerian Content Monitoring Development Board (NCMDB) policy to develop local capacity. Indeed, apart from the technical support from our off-shore partners, Rose Aviation, based in the Republic of Ireland, TAL is a company by Nigerians and for Nigerians with international best practices.

He also mentioned that there will be no problem regarding maintenance, since TAL has always maintained an unwavering focus on the pursuit of excellence as our operational philosophy.

“We are passionately committed to best practice in accordance with world-class standards in the Air Logistics sector. In line with our major focus on SAFETY and EFFICIENCY, Tropical Arctic Logistics Ltd crew are certified FAA/EASA trained personnel in alignment with the industry and country of operation regulatory requirements,” he told reporters.

Emperor Chris believes the provision of professional solutions in airborne area survey, transportation for oil and gas companies, offshore and onshore logistics support and helicopter charter services will be guided by the principles of integrity, safety and excellent customer service delivery at TAL. He brings over 28 years oil industry to bear in the management of TAL, especially in the areas of efficiency, reliability and safety.

Prince Femi Adeniji, also pointed out that this signifies a new chapter in the aviation sector in Nigeria with TAL’s transformational initiative which is set to record positive resonance amongst stakeholders, adding that the management will continue to consistently evaluate the business dynamics and monitor the relevant sectoral indices in order to achieve optimal growth and profitability for the company.

The investment is really capital intensive and that gives a measure of worry that soon the business operation may go into oblivion. This notion was countered by Emperor Chris, who said that TAL management spent four years pondering and planning ahead for this present moment.

Emperor Chris also used the medium to advocate that pursuant to the Nigerian Content policy, the Federal Government, through NNPC should ensure and enforce initiatives to support indigenous investors such as TAL for sustainable business growth which ultimately impacts positively on job creation and other socio-economic benefits. He reiterated that the Nigerian media should do more to push this mandate, as oftentimes, Nigerian journalists do not follow-up on stories that matter.

The first of the helicopter shuttles (5N-BVQ written on it) has the name of his late father Chinenyeze, which means ‘God gives the King’ written on it according to Emperor Chris, is due to his dad’s penchant to ride on a private jet or an helicopter in his lifetime. Having the name inscribed on the helicopter seems to make that possible.

TAL helicopter shuttle services will provide professional solutions with particular emphasis on safety and efficiency. The helicopter company offers business-beneficial services to the Oil and Gas industry, Executive Spot Charter, Banking Industry, Medical Emergency Evacuation (MEDVAC) and allied Services as well as Executive private Aircraft Charter.

The press conference had in attendance among other notable dignitaries, foreign investors, business partners of TAL, and other individuals. TAL team includes the following: Deputy Managing Director, Baywood Continental Limited, Empress Pat Baywood Ibe, Tropical Arctic Logistics Limited, Capt. Otu E. Ekpenyong COO, and F/O Juwon Shodunke among others.