TheCable

Caverton Helicopters Limited says it is committed to safety in all facets of its operations, and the company remains financially stable despite the lingering impact of COVID-19.

Caverton Helicopters is a subsidiary of Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, a company quoted on the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

The company said this in a statement on Thursday in reaction to allegations of financial strength. 

Caverton said it has experienced workers, well-trained, type-rated and professional crew (pilots and engineers) to meet the complex needs of its premium clients.

In November 2021, the company received certification from European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to use the Thales Level D, reality full flight stimulator product, a Reality H system.

“This statement is to clear the air on some incorrect and sensational allegations peddled about Caverton Helicopters in a recent online publication. Though it is not in our character to blow our trumpets, we make bold to say that Caverton Helicopters’ commitment to safety in all facets of its operations is impeccable and unimpeachable. Also, the company remains financially stable despite the lingering impact of COVID19 on the national and global operating environment,” the statement reads.

“The online report falsely alleges that the chairman of our company is a politician or a politically exposed person. Nothing can be farther from the truth. The report also claims that some pilots left the company for another. While this is true, the motive adduced is far-fetched. The country and the industry operate a free-market economy whose cardinal principle is free entry and exit, including for labour. It is within the constitutionally guaranteed rights of those who left the company to do so, as it is within the rights of others to come on board.

“As a matter of fact, the experienced hires by Caverton always come from other companies too, both within and outside the country. Creating a sensation out of some staff leaving one organisation for another organisation amounts to making a mountain out of a molehill. The relevant point is that Caverton always has the required number of well-trained, type-rated and professional crew (pilots and engineers) from virtually all continents of the globe to meet the complex needs of its premium clients.

“It is also worth stating that regular audit review is not alien in a highly regulated sector like the oil and gas industry. The suspension of flights with one of our esteemed clients is to ensure such a review. It is a partial suspension as we still operate from the base. Also, it is not a cancellation of our contract with the company. We are positive that we will return to normal operations once the audit is concluded.”

The statement added that despite the global pandemic, “the company always met its obligations to its staff and suppliers”.

It added that its business outlook is more positive than before, reinforced by strategic decision to diversify revenue streams as the world returns to normalcy.

“To underscore our commitment to safety, capacity building and financial buoyancy, Caverton has built a 40,000 sqm training and maintenance, repair and overhaul facility. With spare parts from original equipment manufacturers, operating within an export free zone, and fitted with an EU regulator certified flight simulator, the facility is the first of its kind not just in Nigeria but in Africa,” it added.

“We are, therefore, subject to well-regulated and high ethical corporate governance standards continuously. We remain unwavering in our commitment to these standards and to delivering best-in-class service to our esteemed clients and lasting value to our other stakeholders.”