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ABERDEEN-BASED Bond Offshore Helicopters is introducing three latest-technology EC 225 aircraft to its fleet in a continuing investment programme in support of work worth almost £240million.
The contracts include two new clients, ConocoPhillips (UK) and Maersk Contractors UK, and an amendment to an existing contract with BP.
Bond revealed that the latest work, plus expansion, was adding about 50 jobs to its Aberdeen workforce, bringing total employment to more than 200.
It is now operating two new EC 225 aircraft on crew-change flights for BP in the North Sea and west of Shetland.
Bond managing director Bill Munro said: “With their enhanced specification, range and operational efficiency, the EC 225s are particularly suited to long-range flights servicing BP’s activities east and west of Shetland.
“The capability to fly direct from Aberdeen, with no need to refuel en route, avoids potential delays if, for example, Shetland is fogbound.”
Bond will operate a third EC 225 under a five-year contract with ConocoPhillips for services in the central North Sea. Two Super Puma AS332L Mark II helicopters, released from contract with BP, will be used in support of various clients, including Maersk Contractors UK, on behalf of North Sea Production Company, for which Bond began operating in June under a five-year contract servicing the McCulloch field, north-east of Aberdeen.
Mr Munro added: “The addition of ConocoPhillips and Maersk Contractors as new clients and the existing contract amendment with BP reinforce the current expansion of our fleet, staff and base facilities as part of our strategy to expand operations in the UK and overseas.”
The new aircraft will bring the Bond fleet of Super Pumas to 10.
About £40million is being invested in the three EC 225s, in the operational base at Aberdeen Airport and in training, including engineers and pilots.