The Airbus H175: the further, the better

Opening a new chapter in offshore helicopter operations, Transportes Aéreos Pegaso has signed a contract with Woodside-Pemex to provide deepwater services. The agreement, which may involve up to three H175 helicopters, underlines the growing importance of this super-medium in long-range maritime operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

With 44 years of experience in helicopter operations in Mexico, Pegaso has been at the forefront of the H175’s success story in difficult deepwater conditions. The company’s confidence in the aircraft is evident in its recent fleet expansion, with two additional H175s delivered in 2024, bringing its total H175 fleet to five aircraft. 

“We chose the H175 for its range and its economic efficiency in transporting 16 passengers over long distances,” explains José Erosa, Pegaso’s Director of Operations. “We like this helicopter because it is very smooth and quiet...our passengers love it.” This passenger comfort, combined with the helicopter’s long range, has made it particularly suitable for deepwater operations.

Deep waters 

Operating helicopters in the Gulf of Mexico presents a series of unique challenges that put both the aircraft and the crews to the test. “High temperature and humidity are the main challenges we have to face,” says José Erosa. The corrosive marine environment requires rigorous maintenance protocols and specialised protective measures for the aircraft, while the region’s changing weather patterns add another layer of complexity to maintenance and require extraordinary expertise on the part of the pilots. 

The capabilities of the H175s have been extensively tested in these demanding conditions with 8,500 flight hours accumulated. Pegaso shares that they successfully completed a remarkable mission, flying 220 NM out and back with eight passengers without refueling to reach a vessel offshore. Under the new contract between Pegaso and both Woodside and Pemex, the H175s will operate from the Pegaso base in Matamoros, covering distances of between 120 and 140 NM, and providing passenger and cargo transportation and search and rescue support services, with two hoist teams that will be supporting rescue needs in the Gulf of Mexico. 

The timing of Pegaso’s fleet expansion coincides with growing activity in the deepwater sector of the Gulf of Mexico. The region is experiencing an increase in exploration and production activities, and energy companies are venturing into ever deeper waters. This expansion requires helicopters capable of reaching distant platforms while maintaining a significant payload capacity. The success of the H175 in this environment is reflected in the achievements of the global fleet, which has accumulated 250,000 flight hours as of January 2025, of which 225,000 are dedicated to maritime transport.

A strategic player in the region

Pegaso’s modern fleet, which includes several Airbus models such as the H130, H145, and an H155, as well as the H175, strategically positions them to support the growth of this industry. Their aircraft, with an average age of less than ten years, guarantee optimal reliability for deepwater operations. Now, the H175s will take them even further.