Bond Aviation Group has joined the growing number of North Sea operators to harness the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter, by placing an order for 16 of the type with deliveries to begin next year.

The purchase is the largest one-time acquisition of S-92 aircraft ever received by Sikorsky.

James Drummond, ceo of Bond's parent company World Helicopters Group, says: "The introduction of the S-92s represents the next stage in Bond's growth and fleet development for both UK and International operations, such as oil and gas and search and rescue, for which the S-92 is ideally designed. It is a proven and flexible platform that will provide the performance and range required to operate in these environments while delivering the highest standards of safety and comfort for its crew and passengers. We look forward to working with Sikorsky to introduce the new aircraft."

All Bond S-92 helicopters will feature equipment and systems necessary for operations in the North Sea in accordance with EASA requirements. These include five flotation devices, two auto-deployable life rafts, satellite flight following communications, and a main rotor blade ice protection system.

Currently, helicopter operators based in five North Sea countries are flying 47 S-92 aircraft configured for offshore transport and search and rescue missions.

The S-92 helicopter is one of the largest in its heavy offshore class. Its cabin can carry 19 passengers with luggage. Since entering service in September 2004, the S-92 fleet has grown to more than 150 aircraft. Helicopter transport companies serving the offshore oil and gas industry operate approximately 60 per cent of the fleet, and currently account for 90 per cent of the fleet's 380,000 total flight hours.

Bond is the UK's largest independent emergency and mission critical helicopter operator providing air ambulance helicopter services, police and marine support to offshore wind farms and lighthouses as well as mission critical oil and gas crew change and search and rescue services in the North Sea to blue chip oil companies.