ExxonMobil has signed a contract for two Airbus H145 helicopters to support the PNG (Papua New Guinea) LNG (liquefied natural gas) project in Papua New Guinea.
The new H145 model with a five-blade, bearing-less main rotor provides a 150 kg increase in useful load.
The aircraft will be based at the Hides Gas Conditioning Plant (HGCP) in Hela Province of the PNG Highlands, and will be used to transport personnel and equipment in support of PNG LNG project operations.
In addition to its reliability and superior economics, the new H145’s “hot and high” performance was critical to its selection for use in an environment requiring routine operations at an altitude of 5,400 ft and in temperatures up to 35ºC.
The sale is the first by Airbus Helicopters to ExxonMobil and the first order in the oil and gas sector for the new H145 in the Asia Pacific region.