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Press Release
Issued by Rotortrade .
November 7, 2024
Rotortrade, a global leader in the pre-owned helicopter market, is pleased to announce the successful sale and delivery of an AW139 offshore helicopter to Lufttransport, a leading Norwegian operator in the oil and gas sector. This transaction represents the first collaboration between Rotortrade and Lufttransport, furthering Rotortrade's presence in the European market and demonstrating its commitment to operational excellence in complex logistical environments.
The helicopter, previously part of Rotortrade's fully-owned inventory and stationed at its subsidiary in Kuala Lumpur, was acquired by Lufttransport for critical crew change missions to offshore oil and gas rigs. As an established operator in Norway's aviation industry, Lufttransport provides essential services to the energy sector and upholds high standards of operational safety. This AW139 will strengthen Lufttransport's fleet capabilities and deliver greater efficiency for its clients in offshore operations.
Rotortrade supported Lufttransport with a tailored bridge financing solution, facilitating the acquisition and easing the financial transition. Additionally, Rotortrade managed the transition of the helicopter from an emergency medical services (EMS) configuration to a full offshore configuration, ensuring it met Lufttransport's operational requirements for offshore missions.
Given the geopolitical conditions at the time of the transaction, Rotortrade faced unique logistical challenges in transporting the helicopter to Norway. Due to restrictions on sea freight, the team arranged an expedited air shipment on a Boeing 747 cargo flight from Kuala Lumpur to Germany, a rare and complex solution in the industry. From Germany, the helicopter was transported by road to Norway, where it was accepted by Lufttransport in March 2024.
"Rotortrade's ability to handle this exceptional logistical process demonstrates our agility and dedication to meeting our clients' needs, even in challenging circumstances," said Philippe Lubrano, CEO of Rotortrade. "It's an honour to support Lufttransport's important work in the oil and gas sector and to establish a strategic partnership with such a respected operator in Norway."
Lufttransport officially received the helicopter in March 2024, and it has been operational in Norway since June 2024. The transaction began in May 2023, reflecting a seamless and collaborative effort across Rotortrade's teams in Europe and Kuala Lumpur. The deal was managed by Rotortrade's European team with close cooperation from Leonardo, the helicopter's manufacturer.
Erlend Olsen, CEO of Lufttransport, expressed his appreciation for the partnership with Rotortrade and for the expertise Rotortrade brought to the project. The new AW139 will support Lufttransport's crew transport missions, bringing efficiency and reliability to the company's essential operations in the North Sea.
Rotortrade is proud to have played a role in enabling Lufttransport's continued commitment to safety and operational excellence. The project also underscored the expertise of Morten Holand, Lufttransport's safety manager, whose leadership supports the company's stringent safety protocols for offshore operations.
