Norway’s Sundt Air has been extremely busy on the transactions market recently – firstly, taking delivery of a Citation Bravo in September and secondly purchasing a brand new EC135 from McAlpine in mid-November.

The helicopter is to be operated on behalf of the Norwegian Police, with whom Sundt Air has just signed a contract.

Md Tor Bratli explained: “We have started the service with another helicopter but we will continue the five-year contract with the EC135, when it is delivered, fully equipped, in March 2004.

“We will fly, maintain and own the aircraft but the arrangement is that we will be leasing it out to the police. I think it’s a pretty good long-term contract with the government.”

The 135 cost Sundt Air 2.9 million euros plus the price of the equipment, which Bratli described as “an awfully large amount.” It is currently at McAlpine’s facility in Oxford, being equipped.

The Bravo was bought from fellow Norwegians North Pacific Aviation and joins the EC135 plus a largely Citation-dominated fleet, which includes three Citation 650s, one Excel, two Beech King Airs and one Challenger 604.

It is owned by four different companies who will use the aircraft between 70 and 80 per cent of the time. The rest is filled with charter flights, and Bratli says they could easily do more business if they had the extra capacity.

The companies will be flying to locations mainly in Northern Europe. Said Bratli: “They love the performance, size and range, but the cost of the aircraft was the most important thing. In my opinion, you get a very good aeroplane for a very reasonable price. Also, it’s a very comfortable aircraft for sectors of up to two and a half hours.”

Like many operators, Bratli says Sundt Air has experienced an up-and-down year, with business in the months they least expected it and less business at times when they are usually busier.

Bratli added: “I think we’re past the bottom of the market now. We have a very low interest rate currently and business is slowly starting to recover. I believe we are going to see some better times now.”

Sundt Air is based at Gardemoen International Airport, 50 kilometres north of Oslo. Two years ago, it built a facility there with its own vip room, 3,200 square metre hangar and 1,800 square metres of office space. Next year, Bratli says the company will trying to establish an FBO there.

Despite being the only business aviation operator at a busy commercial airport, Sundt says it is doing fine with no slot problems.