Following a return to the North Sea, aviation company Bond Helicopters has bagged a 5-year contract with Perenco, for five AW139 helicopters to operate from Norwich Airport.
With operation due to start in January next year, this is “one of the largest contracts in the North Sea” the aviation firm said.
The helicopters will be painted in the company’s distinctive red livery which is familiar to the industry.
The UK-headquartered Bond Helicopters has 50 years of experience in both onshore and offshore operations, offering services such as flight operations, maintenance and passenger handling.
Executive chairman, Peter Bond, said: “Firstly, we are very proud to be returning to the offshore industry and I am thrilled to be personally leading the delivery of our service for this cornerstone contract, which will provide significant stability for staff as well as providing the platform for further growth.
“As a company, we believe there are further opportunities to be realised in both the offshore and onshore markets, where a UK-headquartered company combined with a return to the Bond philosophy of regular communication, quick decision-making and decisive action provides the necessary ingredients to successfully differentiate ourselves and remain agile in responding to customers’ needs in a fluid environment whilst at the same time providing a safe and consistent service.”
In 2014, Babcock bought Avincis, the parent firm of Aberdeen-based Bond Offshore, for £1.6bn, just before the oil price crash.
However, bond has made a return to the North Sea following a pact with aviation services provider Gama Aviation.
Gama Aviation said: “We are looking forward to supporting Bond Helicopters with its journey to deliver this prestigious Southern North Sea contract and adding a new type in the AW139 and new capability on to our AOC.”
The move comes as a new player is sought for the former Babcock Aviation business in the UK which was bought by CHC.
However competition authorities blocked the deal from progressing in the UK, which means the assets in Dyce, Aberdeen need to be divested.
CHC acquired Babcock’s UK, Denmark and Australia operations last year.
Bond has made no statements about a possible return to Aberdeen.
Recommended for you
