A new helicopter model is set to start flying in the North Sea in weeks after getting the green light from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Bristow Helicopters confirmed it will start flying the latest AgustaWestland aircraft after the AW189 achieved full certification from the aviation authority.
Bristow revealed it plans to use two of the new helicopters to service the Southern North Sea from its base at Norwich.
Another four of the aircraft on order will also be dedicated to oil and gas operations, Bristow said.
AgustaWestland, part of the Italian aerospace giant Finmeccanica, unveiled the new twin-engine, eight-tonne helicopters specifically designed for the oil and gas sector and search and rescue at the Paris International Air Show in 2011
Bristow signed a contract for 11 of the AW189s in a deal worth over £160million last year.
Bristow said the helicopter comes equipped with the latest safety technology and has a capacity of 16 passengers and two crew and a range of 140 nautical miles, making it ideal for offshore operations in the North Sea.
Mike Imlach, managing director, Bristow said: “We’re excited to be the launch customer for what is a superb aircraft and an important addition to our fleet.
“Bristow has worked closely with AgustaWestland throughout the aircraft’s development and the result is an aircraft of the highest technical specification with state of the art safety technology which will enable us to offer our clients the best possible capabilities.
“We look forward to commencing operations with the aircraft in the coming weeks.”