Bristow Helicopters is set to introduce the first of six AgustaWestland (AW189) helicopters to its oil and gas customers.
The eight-tonne aircraft made a high-profile Aberdeen debut at The Press and Journal’s Energy Ball on October 5.
It is capable of carrying 16 passengers and will initially support GDF Suez’s rapidly expanding exploration and production operations in the central and southern North Sea from spring next year.
This batch of six will be based at Bristow’s Norwich facility.
Bristow says it is the first helicopter operator to introduce the AW189 into North Sea service, though Bond has the AW139 in its fleet and last month ordered AW189 aircraft as part of a wider purchasing agreement.
Bristow has six on order for use in the oil and gas sector with the remainder expected by 2015.
The company recently signed a contract for 11 SAR (search & rescue) AW189s to be used in the delivery of the UK Search and Rescue contract which the company was awarded by the Department for Transport.
Mike Imlach, director of European operations for Bristow Helicopters, said GDF Suez was set to become the first oil and gas company to introduce the AW189 to its North Sea operations.
“Designed to operate in harsh conditions and capable of undertaking long range flights, the AW189 effectively fills the gap between the medium and heavy helicopter markets,” Mr Imlach added.
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