GHS launches Forward Air Evacuation Services in Benin under new EDA Contract

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Global Helicopter Services (GHS) is excited to announce a new contract with the European Defence Agency (EDA) to provide Civilian Tactical Air Evacuation (Airmedevac) services. This initiative supports the Belgian Defence deployment in Benin, further demonstrating our commitment to providing essential services in challenging regions.

In partnership with Sahel Aviation Services and Iqarus Medical, GHS has assembled a team of experts to deliver comprehensive Airmedevac capabilities. Our services will be available 24/7, featuring two Beech 1900D aircraft equipped to transport two stretcher-borne and six seated patients, each under continuous medical supervision.

Dominik Goldfuss, CEO of GHS, stated,

“We are profoundly honored to once again be selected by EDA for the Airmedevac services in Benin, thereby marking another significant milestone for GHS. I extend special congratulations to our startup team, whose dedication ensured our “On Time” mission readiness within the stringent timelines set by our clients. As we continue our collaboration with EDA and the Belgian Defence (BelDef), we remain committed to providing a service that is not only safe and cost-effective but also perfectly tailored to meet the demands of the mission.“

ANNIVERSARY „HUBILÄUM“

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Exactly 10 years ago a team of four people founded GlobalHelicopterService – driven by enthusiasm, great motivation and big dreams. 

What began in 2014 as a small company in a five-room office has grown into an internationally operating helicopter organisation with operation sites in Germany, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Western Sahara, Sudan and South Africa.  

#GHS has now grown to over 200 people from more than 32 nations. Our office and hangar space in Germany has been enlarged to 5000 m² housing our headquarter, maintenance facility and storage. Our statistics count nearly 35.000 flight hours for 44.000 missions flown.  

We extend our gratitude to our customers, employees and partners who have contributed to the success story of Global Helicopter Service.  Join us and let’s celebrate our decade of success – anytime, anywhere!  

Kick-off in Burkina Faso

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We are delighted to announce the arrival of our S76C++ D-HMSA in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, for the start of the inaugural #GHS contract launch of this renowned helicopter type.

Our appreciation goes out to our crew who conducted a safe ferry flight from Bavaria to West Africa safely and we wish all GHS staff a successful mission start with an ongoing uninterrupted service delivery day to day.

GHS is grateful and privileged to be selected by the International Committee of the Red Cross to be part of their humanitarian efforts to alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and uphold human dignity, especially during armed conflicts and other emergencies.

Congratulations to our entire team – we are proud of all of you and your effort to make this achievement happen and we thank each and everyone who have contributed to make this mission a success!

World Environment Day 2023

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Global Helicopter Service GmbH, a leading provider of helicopter services to humanitarian organizations in Africa, is proud to announce its commitment to environmental sustainability and spearheading initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint.

We are excited to share our vision for a greener future and our dedication to making a positive impact on our local community and the planet.

At Global Helicopter Service GmbH, we recognize the urgent need to address climate change and the role the aviation industry plays in global emissions. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to implementing sustainable practices that align with international environmental standards.

Our goal is to minimize our ecological footprint without compromising the quality of our services.

As part of our comprehensive sustainability strategy, we have identified several key initiatives that will guide our environmental efforts:

Transitioning to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): We are actively exploring partnerships with our customers to incorporate SAF into our operations. SAF offers a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional aviation fuels, helping to mitigate our impact on the environment.

Fleet Modernization: Technologically advanced aircraft feature reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions, allowing us to provide our services while minimizing our carbon footprint.

Carbon Offset Programs: In addition to reducing our emissions, we are implementing carbon offset programs to further neutralize our environmental impact. We are working with recognized organizations to support projects that promote reforestation, renewable energy, and sustainable development.

Community Engagement and Education: We believe in the power of education and awareness in driving positive change. We will actively engage with local schools, community organizations, our key-customers and other stakeholders to raise awareness about environmental issues and the importance of sustainable practices.

Continuous Improvement: We are committed to regularly assessing our environmental performance and identifying areas for improvement. By monitoring our carbon emissions, waste management, and energy consumption, we will strive for ongoing sustainability gains.

We understand that achieving our sustainability goals requires collaboration and the collective effort of our employees, partners, and the community. We invite our valued stakeholders to join us on this journey towards a greener future.

Together, we can make a significant difference in preserving our planet for future generations.

Global Helicopter Service GmbH is proud to take the lead in driving environmental sustainability within the aviation industry. We firmly believe, that by adopting responsible practices and embracing innovation, we can create a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

For more information about our sustainability initiatives and progress, please contact us directly. Let us soar towards a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

GHS on the rise

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GHS has kicked off 2023 with a hive of activity and exciting prospects. GHS is preparing a number of aircraft for deployment in Africa which will be used to provide humanitarian support.

Furthermore the GHS Part 145 maintenance team is carrying out an H225 Return to Service and a Bell 412 5000 Hour inspection alongside a number of other maintenance activities.

Tactical AE in Niger
H225, Maiduguri
NVIS Cockpit AB412

Training has also commenced for another exciting development relating to a service offering for maintenance and repair of NVIS equipment to be launched very soon.

Furthermore, we are pleased to announce the contract extension from the European Defence Agency (EDA) to continue the provision of a Civilian Tactical Air Evacuation service utilising a Beechcraft 1900D for Belgian Defence deployment in Niger.

Global Helicopter Service trusts Entrol to manufacture their new Bell 412 FTD Level 3 simulator

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Entrol will manufacture the device in 2023, and it will be delivered to their headquarters in Germany in early 2024.

This Bell 412 FTD Level 3 simulator will be equipped with the latest technology Entrol has to offer, and it will increase the training capabilities GHS offers to their trainees.

“Having sold another model of an FTD Level 3 is a big milestone for us. We believe that FTDs will be crucial for the future of the industry, and it is reassuring to know that companies like GHS share this same view with us. We are glad we have closed the deal at European Rotors 2022. It has been a great show for us.” states Nacho Navacerrada, Head of Sales of Entrol.

“This new project will bring a lot of flexibility and synergies to our future training strategy. For our overall pilot’s team we will be able to cover all requirements in terms of training and check flight events including scenario training for our missions in remote environment. Further to this of course we will be able to develop a whole new range of business opportunities within our ATO.” States Dominik Goldfuss, CEO and Owner of Global Helicopter Service.

This simulator will be the sixth Entrol device in Germany, making it the third country with the most Entrol devices after Spain and Italy.

About Global Helicopter Service:

Global Helicopter Service is an EASA approved helicopter company based in Kirchanschöring, Germany. GHS offers numerous services utilizing a flexible fleet of helicopters that includes the robust Bell 412, the well known Sikorsky S76C++ and the sophisticated Airbus H225.

Together with our strong partners we have access to more than 50 aircraft, our operational and geographic flexibility is second to none. GHS pilots and team are counted upon around the world to navigate extremely challenging weather conditions, terrain and high-stakes situations.

Since 2020 Global Helicopter Service is an EASA approved training organization (ATO) offering training services to third parties as well.

About entrol:

Since 2005, entrol develops and manufactures helicopter and fixed-wing FNPT and FTD simulators, for flight schools, airlines and operators, in order to improve pilot training, increase security on aircraft operations and reduce operational costs.

Entrol simulators are covered by a comprehensive after-sales services and designed according to CS-FSTD and FAA FTD directives.

In case you have any questions, please contact us!

GHS IS TAKING ACTIVE STEPS TO BE A CARBON NEUTRAL AVIATION COMPANY

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Environmentalists keep telling the world how important it is to measure and reduce carbon emissions. Naturally, the same applies to us at Global Helicopter Service – which is why we have put sustainability at the heart of what we do and acknowledge that we must reduce our company’s carbon footprint and this has started with reducing our direct emissions one of our measures related to our environmental management initiatives.

GHS has tracked, documented and calculated its overall CO2 emissions based on the amount of JetA1 consumed using common formulas for the 2021 flight hours. Following this calculation the amount of CO2 has been offset via climate protection projects certified by the UN.

Thus we neutralized a significant percentage of our carbon footprint for our operations in Africa for 2021 and will repeat this in 2022 with the introduction of further reduction programs.

“The first step of climate action is awareness: it is only once you know what your footprint is that you will be able to take appropriate action to reduce it.” ©UNFCC

The main feature of the United Nations Carbon Offset Platform is to display UNFCCC-certified climate friendly projects that reduce, avoid or remove greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere. These projects are implemented in developing countries around the world and are rewarded with Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) for each tonne of greenhouse gas they help reduce, avoid or remove.

Global Helicopter Service proactively manages environmental protection. All our strategies, measures and missions are coordinated with our efforts to protect the environment. Environmental management within Global Helicopter Service will be systematically expanded and developed further at all levels.

It is all about our planet!

Stay tuned for more details about our other and future Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Global Helicopter Service achieves PART-CAMO compliance

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GHS has received final approval to the EASA Part-CAMO standards. Seven years after securing our EASA Part-M approval we have successfully managed the transition into the new Part-CAMO regulatory environment. This important approval recognises the well-established, mature, Safety Management System (SMS) as the backbone to the operation implemented across the entire organisation.

This exceptional achievement assures we are in compliance with latest regulatory requirements that allow us to provide continued, failsafe support to our customers. Our team attests to more than 70 years of combined staff experience in specialized helicopter operations in harsh and difficult environments managed to Part CAMO standards, underpinned by a high ratio of experienced type rated engineers.

GHS generally operate leased aircraft and we pride ourselves on the effective and efficient manner aircraft are processed and approved for use on our AOC. Our team is well prepared for quick turnaround in resolving shortcomings and defects through a very well-established working relationship between the CAMO and Part-145 departments.

Further to this our scope of approval has been enhanced to include the airworthiness review certification for the Sikorsky S76C++.

These milestones continue to demonstrate GHS’ uncompromising commitment to safety and reliability, which have been central to our business since its foundation in 2014.

“Safety has always been our top priority. Thus, we are very proud that thanks to great teamwork we have managed the achievement of being fully Part CAMO compliant, which is imperative to the company staying current and ahead of the market” says Dominik Goldfuss, CEO.

Congrats to our ambitious CAMO Team for this outstanding achievement!

Women Power at GHS

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“Let us ensure that every girl, everywhere, has the opportunity to realize her dreams, grow into her power and contribute to a sustainable future for all,” said UN Secretary General António Guterres.

Women in aviation is not something new, early pioneers include French Raymonde de Laroche, the world’s first licensed female pilot as far back as March 8th, 1910. What a fantastic coincidence that many years later International Women’s Day was dedicated to be held every year on March 8th.

When I started my career in an aviation company 17 years ago it was a pure male domain. I joined GHS seven years ago as the first and only female employee. Since then, our female representation has increased incrementally and we are heading to equal gender staff numbers at our German Headquarter.

We at GHS highly appreciate, support and promote the development of women power in aviation. I would like to introduce some of my female colleagues who share their passion for aviation.

Anna Folch has taken over Compliance Monitoring for Air Operations and Crew Training at GHS in November last year. She has been amazed by the world of aviation since she was 8 years old. She started studying aeronautical engineering and worked as an engineer until she fulfilled her dream to get her Helicopter Commercial Pilots Licence CPL(H). Just recently Anna completed her type rating on Bell 412 and carried out her first ferry flight of our Bell 412 D-HEPP from Nigeria to Germany as the Co-Pilot.

“Taking off and seeing that everything becomes smaller and smaller. Nothing else matters, just flying.”

Anny Folch

As a 7 year old, Vera Aitzinger knew that one day she would become a helicopter pilot.  Vera is currently the Executive Assistant at GHS, which means she is involved in all company matters which she carries out enthusiastically and always has good ideas. Vera currently holds a FAA helicopter pilot license and is working on her EASA CPL(H). According to her the industry is still far from having gender equity, which can be very hard sometimes. However, I have no doubt that her dream as a little girl, to become a rescue pilot in the Austrian Mountains will come true sooner than later.

“Little girls with big dreams become women with vision”, you should always go and follow your dreams, no matter what.

Vera Aitzinger

Pheobe Chizobam told me that “When I was a child, I always wanted to fly but this wasn’t a common career choice for kids around my age at that time in Nigeria,” today Pheobe is our first and only female engineer working on our Bell 412 fleet in Maiduguri and has almost completed her type rating. Her favourite part being an engineer is participating in major maintenance, such as removal and installation of aircraft engines. Her biggest obstacle so far is not receiving recognition and acceptance by her peers just because  she’s a woman; “I have literally experienced situations where I was told, you’re intruding in a man’s space, your place is in the kitchen!” , She has risen above this and proved her detractors wrong.

Sara VucemilovicGrgic is our female maintenance planner working with a lot of male engineers and mechanics. Her future plan is to become a licensed engineer which will give her an all-encompassing knowledge from office administration right through to the hangar floor and the aircraft itself.

“If you are a strong woman interested in powerful flying and fast machines, your place is saved in aviation.”

Sara VucemilovicGrgic

Our pilots will always tell you “The best office is a cockpit!”, however, working in an office for an aviation company can be just as exciting and challenging!

I wish all my female colleagues and all women involved in aviation a “Happy International Women’s Day – it’s our responsibility to inspire more and more women to break barriers and follow their dreams!

Ursula Pöcklhofer
Marketing & Sales at GHS

UN World Food Program Helicopter Charter Services in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Contract Award to Global Helicopter Service GmbH

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Global Helicopter Service GmbH (GHS) a leading German helicopter service provider is proud to be the recipient of the contract to supply helicopter passenger and cargo transportation Services to the UN WFP in Maiduguri Nigeria.

This contract award is significant being a medium lift service utilising the renowned Airbus H225, which is a first for the WFP and a first in Nigeria both noteworthy accomplishments. 

Airbus H225, D-HTPN was positioned to Abuja for the completion of the Airworthiness Inspection after which it was moved to Maiduguri awaiting the final NCAA review of GHS procedures and quality system. On arrival in Maiduguri GHS and the UNHAS team commenced with aircraft and equipment inspections and familiarisation, training for operational scenarios and boarding procedures in preparation for the first on-site tasking and operational flight.

Meanwhile our H225 is daily flying for UNHAS in Maiduguri fully convincing during each mission flight.

Dominik Goldfuss, GHS CEO, said: “We at GHS are thrilled that WFP has given us the opportunity to demonstrate the true value and performance of the H225 and we look forward to impressing them beyond all expectations”.

Our special thanks goes to Airbus and its team for their continuing support in the implementation of this pilot project.

GHS takes great pride in the quality of all the aviation services it offers ensuring complete compliance to end-user speciation. These services include Part 145 Maintenance, CAMO services, Forward Aeromedical Evacuation, Pax & Freight Air transport, firefighting and Air Training Organisation (ATO) services.