Offshore Helicopter Services UK (OHS) has signed lease agreements with Milestone Aviation Group for five Sikorsky S-92 helicopters.

The agreements include the extension of three Sikorsky S-92 helicopters and the placement of two additional S-92s, scheduled to be delivered in 2023. The oil and gas configured helicopters will support OHS’s offshore operations in the North Sea.

OHS managing director Paul Kelsall says: “As part of our fleet strategy to meet increased demand from customers and improve airframe utilisation, we have chosen to phase out first generation S92s and replace them with younger S92s. This significant deal strengthens our relationship with Milestone Aviation, a key supplier, and underlines our commitment to providing clients with the very best equipment and service level.”

Milestone CEO Pat Sheedy adds: “We are pleased to continue building our relationship with OHS, having worked closely together for many years. It gives us great satisfaction to be able to support it and its new parent company, Ultimate Aviation, as it expands its offshore fleet and we congratulate it on its new partnership.”

OHS UK had been acquired by CHC from Babcock International Group in 2021. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority then determined that CHC should divest itself of the company and an auction process was undertaken through which, on 30 December 2022, CHC agreed to sell OHS UK to South Africa-headquartered Ultimate Aviation Group.

Ultimate Aviation CEO Shaun Roseveare adds: “Operational excellence is absolutely vital in the North Sea, and this investment in new aircraft is key to ensuring OHS is a market leader for years to come. Our active support for this transaction is a sign of our confidence in the vision to grow the capabilities of our offering there.”