Press Release
Issued by Bell, a Textron Company.
March 1, 2024
Bell, a Textron Inc. company, has announced a signed purchase agreement with Norwegian state-owned multinational energy company Equinor for the sale of 10 Bell 525 aircraft for North Sea offshore operations with deliveries expected to begin in 2026.
The 525 offers Equinor superior technological innovation in terms of helicopter safety, reduced CO2 emissions, pilot support systems, passenger comfort and internal and external noise reduction.
“Our relationship with Equinor will enhance the standard of innovation for oil and gas missions and North Sea operations,” said Danny Maldonado, chief commercial officer, Bell. “The Bell 525 technology provides a generational leap forward and will revolutionise offshore oil and gas operations by providing enhanced safety capabilities, reliability and optimised operations.”
Representing Bell in Norway, Norwegian Aviation and Defense Group is proud to have supported this breakthrough for Bell 525 to be chosen as the new platform for transport of personnel for the energy sector and Equinor.
“Bell has delivered aircraft and reliable services for more than 30 years to Norwegian operators, both in the government and commercial spheres, and will continue to do the same to the Norwegian Continental Shelf and the energy sector. We are looking forward to developing this further with Equinor,” says Norwegian Aviation and Defense Group chief executive Mr Ole Petter Bakken.
The Bell 525 incorporates fly-by-wire flight controls, industry leading drive system performance and fully integrated vehicle health monitoring. The 525 drive system architecture is also precedent setting; with all high-speed drives removed from the main rotor gearbox to incorporate independent and redundant reduction and accessory drive gearboxes. Bell 525 production is ongoing at Bell's Amarillo, Texas assembly centre, with offshore-configured aircraft coming off the line in 2024.
