To meet increasing FIFO demand in the resource-rich regions of the Pilbara, Gascoyne and Goldfields, five new aircraft have joined the Cobham fleet, designed to specifically service the FIFO and charter industry in WA. A further eight aircraft are due to arrive in 2022.
It’s a significant statement of intent from the aviation group, which for 30 years has delivered workers to oil, gold and gas fields of WA and other resource-rich states within Australia.
As demand for charter and FIFO services ramps up, the appointment of a new Managing Director of Regional Services – Claude Alviani – comes at a critical time.
“Cobham has always been at the forefront of innovation in the FIFO sector and continues to evolve its offering in line with industry requirements,” said Mr Alviani. “Those requirements have become increasingly time-sensitive as companies rely on experienced and responsive air transport to staff projects as they come online.”
In addition to the continued, long-term support of one of Cobham’s foundation oil and gas clients, Chevron, other major oil and gas construction providers have joined the roster.
“We are able to provide bespoke, ad-hoc charter services for these clients,” said Mr Alviani. “We are well aware of the specific offshore oil and gas requirements – for instance, the baggage restrictions for passengers who are travelling to a rig on helicopters – and we take pride in helping to ensure a seamless transition to support ongoing workforce mobility.”
Whether transport is required aboard a charter fixed wing aircraft or helicopter, Cobham offers a modern fleet solution for clients across the resources board. As COVID restrictions are still strictly enforced to maintain COVID-free operating environments on work sites, Cobham offers a superior solution.
“We have a private terminal which allows us to offer bespoke solutions for COVID screening, health checks and passenger separation,” said Mr Alviani. “Our aircraft also support maritime charters and we enforce rigorous cleaning protocols that take place as part of this ongoing work.”
“With an innovative solution for managing COVID requirements, we are well-positioned for transitioning to the next phase of living with COVID. We will continue to prioritise the OHS requirements of our clients, operating in the safest way possible as we all continue to navigate the pandemic together.”
Cobham’s growing fleet caters to the increasing appetite in the energy and resources sector to reduce emissions, meet ESG commitments and improve environmental outcomes.
“The Q400 turboprop has the lowest fuel consumption per passenger seat of any turboprop in the industry,” said Mr Alviani.
“It has a 30% reduction in fuel burn compared to competing regional jets, radically reducing carbon emissions. In addition, our aircraft are fitted with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters which are 99.9+% effective at removing viruses from the air.”
As times change and a focus on sustainability comes to the fore, Cobham is progressively modernising its fleet, explains Mr Alviani.
“We are currently in a phase of growth, and by expanding our operations with new clients and new routes, we are committed to servicing one of the most important industries in WA,” said Mr Alviani.
“We’re looking forward to the next quarter of a century and how Cobham can add value, reliability and responsiveness to the expanding resources sector here in WA and beyond.”
To find out more, visit cobham.com.au
