Bristow and Leonardo have finalised a series of long-term agreements that will bring in new helicopters and improve training facilities in Aberdeen. The agreement, initially announced in February, will see four new AW189 helicopters being delivered to Bristow’s offshore flight operations between 2025 and 2026.
Bristow’s director of offshore energy services in Aberdeen, Matt Rhodes, mentioned that the new AW189s will bolster offshore transport and search and rescue (SAR) activities.
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Matt Rhodes said: “Introducing this new AW189 fleet to the North Sea will bring real value to our fleet. These modern, advanced aircraft are well suited to offshore operations and will offer safe, comfortable and reliable transportation for our energy customers.
We have huge experience operating this aircraft type across the globe and are looking forward to introducing it to new and existing customers in Aberdeen over the next two years.”
The chief executive of Bristow criticised “significant delays” in the delivery of spare parts for S-92 helicopters late last year, arguing that this situation was hindering the company’s expansion globally.
While S-92 helicopters are widely used in the offshore energy sector, the shortage of parts, including gearboxes, was reported to be impacting helicopter operators across the industry, leading to logistical issues in regions like the UK North Sea.
Bristow clarified that under this agreement, it will receive an improved Power-by-the-Hour (PBH) agreement for offshore energy and SAR operations, as Leonardo will provide “tailored maintenance”.
Stu Stavley, Bristow’s chief operating officer for offshore energy services commented: “The finalisation of these long-term support and training agreements will support Bristow’s ability to meet the evolving needs of both our Government Services and Offshore Energy Services operations.”
The agreement will also introduce a new multi-million pound, full-motion AW139 flight simulator to Bristow’s Aberdeen-based training facility in 2026.
The long-term agreement also covers AW189 simulator training in the Granite City.
