Babcock International has appointed Simon Meakins as director of its UK offshore business, which provides crew change and search and rescue services to the oil and gas industry.

Meakins, who trained as a helicopter pilot during his time with the RAF, has been with the business since 2011 and moves into the role of director from his previous position as the company's director of flight operations.

He says: “I'm extremely pleased to move into this role. North Sea helicopter operations are an incredibly dynamic business that demand total commitment to the highest standards in safety and customer service, now more than ever. Our teams in Aberdeen, Sumburgh and Blackpool have tremendous experience and we are proud to operate our mixed fleet of helicopters on behalf of some of the biggest names in oil and gas.

“I see a truly positive direction for this business and for the wider industry we serve. This is reflected in the number of exciting new opportunities we are currently pursuing with customers old and new. We have recently secured a new hangar at the East side of Aberdeen International airport. This has further improved our capabilities in Aberdeen and underlines our commitment to the industry we have been serving for more than two decades.”

Babcock Offshore operates a fleet of more than 20 S-92 and H175 aircraft in the UK on behalf of several oil and gas companies. It also flies two specialist SAR helicopters that are dedicated to supporting the men and women working offshore in the North Sea with rapid response and high-quality medical care.

Meakins takes over the role from Rob Dyas, who has moved to a new position with Babcock in Canada.