Mozambique’s vast and often inaccessible terrain has made helicopter operations an essential service for various industries, including construction, humanitarian aid, conservation, and security. HeliCo, a newly established helicopter charter company, is carving out its niche by offering a diverse range of aerial services, demonstrating the versatility and necessity of rotorcraft in the region.
Founded by experienced helicopter pilots Paul and Ingrid Erasmus, HeliCo recently obtained its operator’s certificate, allowing it to function independently. “We started operations in September last year [2024], and since then, we’ve been engaged in various missions, from heavy-lift construction projects to emergency evacuations,” explained the operations manager.
Due to Mozambique’s poor infrastructure, helicopters have played a vital role in the transport of personnel, equipment, and aid. “We enjoy technically demanding jobs, but given the country’s logistical challenges, we end up doing a bit of everything, including humanitarian missions and conservation work.”
Ingrid Erasmus noted that HeliCo has been involved in emergency response efforts, particularly during cyclone seasons. “Typically, these missions happen at very short notice. We’re often called in to transport food, medicine, or aid workers to remote areas hit by natural disasters,” said Erasmus.
Beyond humanitarian work, HeliCo has been actively engaged in conservation efforts, particularly in Mozambique’s northwestern Niassa region. “We collaborate with a carbon credits project to monitor illegal deforestation and wildlife poaching,” Erasmus explained. These missions involve community outreach, conducting aerial surveys, and providing logistical support to conservation teams.
In southern Mozambique, HeliCo proudly services the breathtaking Maputo Reserve, which is a short flight away from Maputo city. The reserve is particularly close to the hearts of founders Paul and Ingrid Erasmus, who see it as a shining example of the country’s untapped tourism potential, offering a blend of natural beauty and diverse activities.
“You just won’t believe how beautiful the Maputo Reserve is from the air,” said Paul Erasmus. “It looks a lot like the Delta in Botswana, but with the added magic of a spectacular coastline, coral reefs, and inland lakes. It’s a remarkable area, still relatively undiscovered.”
HeliCo also operates in Mozambique’s volatile northern region, particularly in Cabo Delgado, where insurgencies have created additional security risks for companies and aid organizations working in the area. Given these challenges, risk management is at the core of HeliCo’s operations.
“Our clients are looking for helicopter transport to assist in lowering their risk profiles,” said Paul Erasmus. “Operations in these areas require careful review of up-to-date intelligence reports, engagement with insurers, and co-ordination with other operators to ensure the safety of both the aircraft and its occupants.”
Looking ahead, HeliCo aims to expand its fleet and establish more bases across Mozambique. “We want to bring in more versatile aircraft, station helicopters in strategic locations, and improve infrastructure to support rapid deployment,” they shared.
HeliCo also provides aircraft management services. A client has recently acquired an H135 light twin-engine helicopter, which HeliCo will manage and operate on their behalf. The aircraft is a significant addition to Mozambique’s aviation type register, potentially bringing advanced capabilities to the region.
From cyclone relief to conservation and security operations, HeliCo has positioned itself as a critical player in Mozambique’s aviation sector. The company’s work showcases the adaptability of helicopters in a country where infrastructure limitations make traditional transport difficult. As HeliCo continues to expand, its role in humanitarian, industrial, and security missions is set to grow, making the company an indispensable resource in Mozambique’s evolving landscape.
