OMNI Helicopters is preparing to roll out a new super medium helicopter for civilian use, with Guyana set to become the first country where it enters commercial service.
Country Manager Sean Western confirmed the move during a graduation ceremony on Aug. 20. “We are bringing the newest, most advanced super medium helicopter to civilian operations, and Guyana will be the first place in the world that this helicopter is flown commercially,” he revealed.
Western added that the decision reflects OMNI’s approach to keeping pace with the sector. “We also strongly believe in investing in emerging and future technology to ensure that all of our people have the best, most advanced, most efficient and most sustainable tools available to them,” he told the ceremony.
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He said operations began in January 2023 with a small team of locals. “Today our local team has now grown to 75 people, making up 65% of our total workforce in Guyana.”
He explained that the company has tied its growth to partnerships. “One of the first actions on arrival was to develop a partnership with the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School. In this partnership, we provide financial sponsorship to the school and internships for their students, as well as offer apprenticeships with two of their graduates each year,” Western said.
OMNI Director Gerry Gouveia Jr. said the company has been working to build Guyanese capability across all areas. Gouveia said OMNI has developed a wide range of services in a short time. “Over the past year, Omni Helicopters Guyana has flown over 50,000 passengers, over 200 flights a month, and we’re doing this with a growing team of 80 young Guyanese professionals.”.
He also thanked the Brazilian professionals within the company: “It’s you guys who are molding the way, mentoring the young Guyanese in every department.”
Since beginning operations in Guyana in January 2023, OHGI has flown thousands of missions, transporting tens of thousands of passengers, most in support of ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block operations.
