Helicopter Logistics in Offshore Energy: Coordination, Safety, and Strategic Efficiency

This report examines the strategic role of helicopter logistics in Brazil’s offshore oil and gas industry, analyzing operational efficiency, safety systems, and emerging technological innovations.

It explores regulatory frameworks (ANAC, RBAC, NORMAM-223), workforce training (HUET, MCC, IFR), and market consolidation led by major operators such as Omni Táxi Aéreo, Líder Aviação, and CHC do Brasil.

The study highlights the integration of automation, predictive maintenance, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as key vectors for the future of offshore aviation.

Author
Vitor Pereira Xavier
Global O&G Consultant | 22+ years in Oil & Gas
Expertise in Offshore Logistics, Procurement & Strategy
📍 Based in Brazil | 🌎 Open to LatAm, APAC & EU projects
📧 [email protected]

🔗 linkedin.com/in/vitorpx

Institutional Affiliation
Independent Researcher – Global Energy Insight Newsletter

Permanent Identifier
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16711493

1. Helicopters in the Oil Industry
October 2025
Market Report Analysis
Report based on Zenodo
https://zenodo.org/records/1
6711493

2. Introduction to the Brazilian Market
Essential Logistical Role
Helicopters are an essential logistical component for offshore
operations in Brazil's oil industry, connecting remote platforms to
land bases.
Personnel Transport
100% of passenger transport to platforms is carried out by
helicopters, totaling more than 1 million passengers per
year.
Speed Advantage
Helicopters reach up to 280 km/h compared to 40 km/h for
the fastest support vessels.
Strategic Infrastructure
Helicopter transport is an irreplaceable link in the Brazilian
energy value chain.
Critical Dependency
Any significant interruption in this sector would have immediate and
severe impacts on Brazil's oil and gas production.
Transport Service
24/7
Sustained Production
Continuity Assured

3. Historical Evolution and Macaé
Growth Period (Pre-2015)
Years of robust growth in the offshore air taxi market.
~140 aircraft dedicated exclusively to Petrobras
174 helicopters qualified for offshore operations
Expansion of acquisitions and training of professionals
Petrobras Crisis (2015)
Optimization of logistics costs and reduction of investments.
96
Aircraft (Early 2015)
66
Aircraft (End 2015)
Contraction (Post-2015)
Severe impact on the sector and employment:
~350
Pilot positions
~150
Mechanic positions
-22%
Fleet reduction
Recent Investments
Zurich Airport Brasil: R$ 220 million for Macaé Airport
infrastructure
New 1,410-meter runway (planned 2025)
7 hangars and 4 shared lounges
Attracts global operators like CHC do Brasil
Macaé: Main Offshore Hub
Located on the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé has
established itself as the essential starting point for Brazilian offshore
operations.
13th largest airport in Brazil (2015)
Surpassing several capital airports in terms of aircraft movements
Offshore logistics epicenter
Critical infrastructure for the Brazilian oil
industry
Macaé Airport - Essential infrastructure for offshore operations

4. Current Market Dynamics
Current Market State
The Brazilian offshore helicopter market is currently in a
reheating phase after the post-2015 contraction.
Helicopters under contract
~110
Omni Táxi Aéreo market share
~50%
The market is consolidating around large operators such as
Omni Táxi Aéreo.
Growth Perspectives
Omni Helicopters International (OHI) projects strong growth, driven by demand from
the Brazilian oil sector.
Projected Increase
+30% in 2024
Objective
Double in size in 5 years
Growth Factor
New oil discoveries
Brazil's Position
Number 1 market for OHI

5. Main Operating Companies
Omni Táxi Aéreo (50%) Other operators (50%)
Market Share Market Overview
The Brazilian offshore helicopter market is experiencing consolidation around major operators.
Currently, about 110 helicopters are under contract in the Brazilian offshore sector, with a warming
trend after a period of contraction following the 2015 Petrobras crisis.
Omni Táxi Aéreo
~50% of the offshore market
Expanding fleet
Modernization: Honeywell weather radar,
Sikorsky systems
Pioneer of Class 1 drones for oil and gas
Líder Aviação
~50 years of experience
+1 million flight hours
First to use Digital Logbook
Satellite monitoring
CHC do Brasil
New hangar in Macaé
Contracts with Petrobras
Fleet: Leonardo AW139
Expansion to 7 AW139 by the end of 2025
Helisul
Largest single-engine operator in Latin
America
 +80 aircraft
 15 bases
 Services: FBO, MRO, air taxi, aeromedical
Bristow
Major global operator
Recruiting co-pilots for AW139
 Base in Rio de Janeiro
 Fleet: AW139, S-76C++, S-92, H175
Other Operators
SNETA (National Union)
Notable members:
Aeroleo, BHS, Senior, Global, Sete, Algar, Morro
Vermelho, Sotan, Atlanta, Bertol, Weston, Rio
Branco, Palmas

6. Helicopter Models Used
The main models used in the Brazilian offshore oil industry and their characteristics
Airbus H160 New Generation
High passenger capacity
Advanced navigation system
Reduced fuel consumption
Reduced carbon emissions
In service for Petrobras from May 2025 via Omni
Táxi Aéreo
Sikorsky S-76C++ / S-92Proven Reliability
S-76C++: up to 12 passengers
Cruising speed: 260 km/h
Range: 762 km (3h10)
Improved AMS 9.0 and HUMS systems
Recognized excellence in offshore transport
Leonardo AW139 /
AW189
Super-Medium
Class
AW139: up to 15 passengers
AW189: 50 min of "run dry" (transmission)
Large capacity, long range
Optimized operational costs
CHC Brazil: expansion to 7 AW139 by the end of
2025
The market trend shows an evolution towards more efficient, secure models with reduced environmental impact

7. Regulations and Safety
Brazilian offshore aviation is governed by a rigorous and interconnected regulatory framework, primarily involving the National Civil
Aviation Agency (ANAC) and the Brazilian Navy. These regulations cover all aspects of operations, maintenance, and personnel
certification.
ANAC Regulations
RBAC 91: General operating requirements,
survival equipment for flights over water
RBAC 119: Certification of air transport
companies
RBAC 135: Air taxi and complementary
operations
RBAC 145: Maintenance organizations
IS 21-010: Continuing airworthiness
Brazilian Navy (DPC)
NORMAM-223/DPC: Standards for offshore
helidecks
Safety briefings: Mandatory before flights to
platforms
Communication: Protocols between
vessel/platform and aircraft
Emergency preparedness: Mandatory
procedures and equipment
Safety Management
SMS: Operational Safety Management System
Safety culture: Proactive approach to risk
management
Advanced technologies: Adoption
encouraged to improve safety
Regular audits: Frequent compliance checks
Key Safety Requirements for Offshore Flights
Life jackets for each occupant Pyrotechnic signaling devices
Inflatable rafts for flights beyond 50 nautical
miles

8. Pilot Training
Intensive Training Path
Initial Qualification
Basic training and pilot licenses required by ANAC (Brazilian
National Civil Aviation Agency).
Compliance with RBAC 61 (Pilot Licenses)
1
IFR Qualification (Instrument Flight)
Advanced training for operations in adverse weather conditions
and offshore flights.
Essential for flights beyond autorotation distance from the coast
2
MCC Training (Multi-Crew Cooperation)
IOGP requirement for offshore pilots, training on crew
coordination.
Multi-Crew Cooperation Training (MCCT)
3
Continuous and Specific Training
Recurrent training specific to helicopter models used in offshore
operations.
4

9. Pilot Training
Advanced Training Technologies
Flight Simulators
Omni Aviation School has modernized its Robinson R22 AATD
simulator with primary flight displays (iPads) and autopilot.
Digital Onboard Systems
Training on advanced systems such as HUMS (Health and Usage
Monitoring System) and electronic logbooks.
Surveillance Systems
Training on satellite surveillance systems used by companies like
Líder Aviação to improve safety.
1
3
 Constant updating of skills and knowledge
4

10. Air Traffic Control
The Role of DECEA
The Department of Airspace Control
(DECEA) is responsible for managing
helicopter air traffic in Brazil, with particular
attention to offshore operations.
Coordination of flights between oil
platforms and the coast
Continuous monitoring of offshore air
operations
Management of air-ground
communications for oil operations
Integration with maritime control
systems
Specialized Training
The Airspace Control Institute (ICEA)
provides highly specialized training to
prepare controllers for the unique
challenges of offshore oil operations.
Complete Program
Catalog of technical and operational
courses
Specific Courses
CNS014
Radioperação em Plataforma Marítima -
EPTA CAT "M"
Specialized training for radio operations on
maritime platforms
ATC Controller
Comprehensive training for air traffic
controllers with specific modules for the
offshore environment
Continuing Education
Regular skills update programs and
familiarization with new technologies

11. Passenger Safety Training
HUET/THUET Training
HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training) and THUET
(Tropical Helicopter Underwater Escape Training) are
mandatory programs for all passengers on offshore flights in
Brazil.
Main Components:
Sea Survival Techniques
Use of life jackets and survival rafts
Evacuation Procedures
Methods for exiting a submerged and potentially overturned
helicopter
Emergency Management
Emergency procedures and use of safety equipment
Regulatory Requirements
NORMAM-223/DPC requires all passengers to receive a safety
briefing before each flight to offshore platforms.
RBAC 91 requires specific survival equipment for flights beyond the
autorotation distance from the coast.
Training Objectives
HUET/THUET aims to develop the confidence and skills necessary to
survive an emergency ditching in difficult conditions, significantly
reducing risks during actual incidents.
Emergency ditching simulation with cabin submersion
Training for evacuation of a submerged and overturned helicopter

12. Technological Innovations
Recent advances transforming offshore aviation
Advanced Flight Simulators
Omni Aviation School has modernized its Robinson R22 AATD simulator
with a kit including primary flight displays (iPads) and an autopilot,
allowing a more complete experience for IFR operations and introducing
the concept of automation in helicopter aviation.
Digital Logbook (eDB)
Líder Aviação is the first company to receive ANAC
authorization to use the Digital Logbook across its entire
offshore helicopter fleet, improving safety, agility, and reliability
of data entry, while eliminating paper documents.
HUMS Systems
Omni Táxi Aéreo has performed updates on its S-92A
helicopters, including Sikorsky AMS 9.0 and HUMS -115/-116
systems, which increase the accuracy of safety alerts and
improve maintenance efficiency, allowing continuous
monitoring of aircraft condition.
Offshore Automation
Advanced technologies are employed to remotely monitor and
control operations on oil and gas platforms. Predictive
maintenance uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to
predict failures before they occur, optimizing equipment
reliability.
Key trend: The integration of real-time data with advanced analytics (Machine
Learning and IoT) is transforming maintenance from a reactive to a predictive
model.

13. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)
Brazilian Potential
Brazil has the greatest potential in Latin America for SAF production
Extensive experience in biofuels and agricultural activities
Strategic position to become a leader in sustainable offshore aviation
Environmental Regulations
ANAC: Rules for monitoring and offsetting emissions from international flights
(CORSIA)
Law No. 15.097: New regulatory framework for offshore operations
Tax incentives for sustainable technologies and eco-friendly practices
Decarbonization Objectives
2030
50% reduction in
emissions
2050
Net Zero Target
<2%
Share of oil operations in
national emissions
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges
SAF cost 2-3 times higher than conventional fuel
Need for production and distribution infrastructure
Opportunities
Carbon footprint reduction (aviation = 3% of global
emissions)
Government collaboration and public policies to
support SAF development

14. Future Perspectives & Strategic Recommendations
The Brazilian offshore helicopter market is entering a phase of technological transformation and growth, driven by new oil discoveries and technological advances.
Future Perspectives
Market Growth
Medium helicopters demand to double in next
decade (40+ units)
OHI tripled revenue since 2019, plans to double in 5
years
New discoveries driving offshore transport demand
Automation
Advanced monitoring systems and remote control
Automated emergency systems improving safety
Reduction of human errors in complex processes
Optimization of resources and operational costs
Predictive Maintenance & AI
AI and data analysis to predict failures
Real-time data with Machine Learning and IoT
Optimization of equipment reliability
From corrective to predictive maintenance models
Strategic Recommendations
For Helicopter Operators
Continuous investment in advanced aircraft
and digital systems
Proactive adherence to safety and
environmental regulations
Strengthening recurrent training programs
For Regulators
Collaboration to balance innovation and safety
standards
Simplification of processes for new
technologies
Investment in air traffic control infrastructure
For Oil and Gas Industry
Long-term commitment to modernization
Support for R&D in SAF and automation
Ensuring stable demand for advanced services
For Training Institutions
Adaptation to latest simulation technologies
Integration of environmental standards
Development of specialized training paths
Brazil is positioned to become a leader in technologically advanced and sustainable offshore aviation through collaborative efforts among all stakeholders

15. Author Information
Vitor Xavier
Global O&G Consultant
Email
[email protected]
LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/vitorpx
Professional Background
22+ years of global experience
Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America
Based in Brazil
Open to global projects
Oil & Gas Industry Specialist
Focus on offshore operations and logistics
About This Report
Market Analysis
Based on comprehensive industry research
Data-Driven Insights
Utilizing latest market statistics and trends
This article is based on market analysis, data, and publicly available information. The views expressed
are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any affiliated organizations.