Lufttransport has purchased and received an AW139 offshore helicopter from Rotortrade in a first collaboration between the two companies; it will be used 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 fleet capabilities and deliver greater efficiency for its clients in offshore operations. It was previously part of Rotortrade’s fully-owned inventory and stationed at its subsidiary in Kuala Lumpur.

CEO Erlend Olsen expressed his appreciation for the expertise Rotortrade brought to the project, which also underscored the expertise of safety manager Morten Holand, whose leadership supports the company’s stringent safety protocols for offshore operations.

Lufttransport took out a tailored bridge financing solution with Rotortrade, facilitating the acquisition and easing the financial transition. Additionally, Rotortrade managed the transition of the helicopter from an emergency medical services 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,” says CEO Philippe Lubrano. “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 and was managed by Rotortrade’s European team with close cooperation from Leonardo, the helicopter’s manufacturer.