Sky's the limit for offshore air support in Brazil

With a 60% share of the Brazilian offshore air support market, Omni Táxi Aéreo expects 2024 to be a year of growth, with new aircraft set to be contracted by oil companies. 

In an interview with BNamericas, the company's CEO, Roberto Coimbra, says there are also opportunities onshore, abroad and for technological innovations, such as in using drones.

BNamericas: What is the outlook for the air support market for oil and gas activities in 2024? 

Coimbra: They're positive, given the expectation of a significant increase in oil production and substantial investments in the sector. 

As a result, we’re looking at 2024 with great optimism, highlighting continued growth and improvement in safety and operational efficiency indicators. 

Last year we increased our market share to 57% and consolidated our position as the leader in offshore helicopter transportation in Brazil. We secured 24 new contracts in 2023, including strategic partnerships with Petrobras, Subsea 7, Petronas and BP Energy. We plan to end the year with a fleet of 80 aircraft.

We also have the prospect of international operations, including a three to four-month operation in Argentina for Equinor in the second quarter of 2024. 

In addition, we’re investing in innovation with the introduction of class 1 and 2 drone operations by OHI Unmanned, with support from Omni Taxi Aéreo, promoting efficiency in the transportation of small offshore loads for Petrobras. This movement augurs a promising market in Brazil, especially in the category of class 1 and 2 drones.

BNamericas: Is demand for offshore and onshore services expected to grow? 

Coimbra: Yes. In addition to offshore growth, we expect our onshore services to grow for both the oil and gas and infrastructure sectors. 

We were pioneers in Brazil in carrying out heavy load transportation services for the energy sector. This enables the reduction of the environmental impact of having to build roads and the entire logistics network in forested areas. 

BNamericas: Are you expecting new aircraft contracts? 

Coimbra: Yes. Today, we operate with a fleet of 70 aircraft, including 18 large aircraft and seven super-midsize aircraft. We plan to end the year with a fleet of 80 vehicles.

We were pioneers in Brazil in operating super-midsize aircraft. We operate out of 11 bases and make around 700,000 trips a year. 

BNamericas: What E&P campaigns is Omni supporting at the moment? Who are your clients?

Coimbra: Our main clients are Petrobras, TotalEnergies, Shell, Trident Energy, 3R Petroleum, BW Energy, ExxonMobil, Subsea 7, Petronas and Equinor, among other market players.