Offshore Helicopter Services UK (OHS UK), a part of the Ultimate Aviation Group, is set to further strengthen its contribution to the growing demand for modern, effective rescue missions supporting the energy industry sector in the North Sea with the introduction of two Leonardo AW139 intermediate twin helicopters. These aircraft are expected to enter into operation during 2Q of 2026. The AW139s will reinforce the 24/7 emergency responsiveness capability of the operator to save lives in the offshore sector in the extreme conditions of the North Sea, promptly taking off from OHS’ base in Aberdeen.

The significant experience gained by OHS over the years has allowed a continued refinement of SAR and medical evacuation procedures to meet the emerging and evolving requirement of the energy industry. This expertise led to the decision to rely upon the best-selling AW139 again, leveraging both established characteristics of the types and the latest enhancements for the task through which this helicopter model continues to prove the benchmark in its category in UK, across Europe and globally. Most of today’s SAR fleet in the UK and Ireland is made up of Leonardo helicopter models, in particular the AW139 and AW189.

OHS’ AW139s will primarily deliver medical evacuation from oil rigs, in addition to a variety of rescue duties at sea, also acting cooperatively with other operators when needed. These new AW139s will feature all-weather overwater SAR capabilities including, among others, a customised cabin layout, dual hoist, dedicated sensors enslaved to the mission console, night vision goggles for all crews on board and FIPS (Full Ice Protection System), enabling it to fly in known ice conditions when other types would be confined to the ground or the hangar.

OHS UK managing director Andy Rodden says: “The SAR service supports around 10,000 workers, and crews have attended almost 1,000 call outs over the last 10 years. Given that the service is so vital, our teams need access to the best equipment available. We have collaborated with the offshore energy sector and Leonardo for the past 12 months to design the new helicopters and equip SAR crews with the latest technologies, including input from industry technical leads, flight crews, engineers and medical staff. This investment will help ensure our crews are best prepared to respond to incidents at any time.”