Operational Trials Lead To First Use Of Model For Offshore Transport

PHI Aviation started offshore commercial operations off the Louisiana Coast for energy company Shell with one Airbus H160 helicopter on March 6, 2025 after a trial period which successfully conducted a route-proving partnership. This is the first aircraft in the worldwide H160 fleet to be used for commercial offshore transportation missions.

The H160 provided by Airbus to Shell and PHI for the route-proving trials is the first of four that will be delivered, and gave the operator and final customer ample opportunity to become familiar with the aircraft’s advanced technologies and  safety features as well as using it under tightly controlled conditions to understand its performance.

After the 300-hour route-proving program, PHI now has 12 H160-type-rated pilots and 12 H-160 qualified A&P mechanics in its ranks.

Tony Cramp, Shell’s Vice President of Aircraft said, “This is a long anticipated milestone that will bring material advantages to our offshore operations in the Gulf of America. The H160 represents a new generation of rotorcraft with the potential to enhance safety and passenger experience for our people, while giving our business greater operational capability and availability, driving business efficiencies. We look forward to seeing how it performs when in full regular service, with a view to replication in other regions.”

Scott McCarty, CEO of PHI Group said, “This is the culmination of five-plus years of work and an even longer partnership between PHI, Shell and Airbus. The extensive, first-of-its-kind route-proving program allowed our teams to work closely with Shell and Airbus to fully evaluate and optimize the H160’s capabilities, train personnel and ensure certification and indoctrination into PHI’s operational and safety systems.

“I want to recognize and thank everyone who came together and helped make this route-proving program extremely successful. We are proud and honored to launch this next-generation aircraft in the Gulf of America.”

FMI:  phihelico.com/