Bristow Helicopters has ordered two EC225 helicopters for North Sea oil and gas operations. The order - a confirmation of the option it held following an order for two aircraft last May - brings the fleet to six helicopters.

The aircraft, which will initially be based in Aberdeen, are expected to begin operating within a seven year contract Bristow was awarded by Shell Exploration and Production, to provide crew-change transportation throughout the British and Dutch sectors of the North Sea. Under the terms of the contract, Bristow will fly 54,000 hours.

"We have been working successfully with Shell under the existing contract for seven years and enjoyed an excellent working relationship with them in all areas of operations," said Bristow Helicopters md Richard Burman.

"The invitation to bid and the subsequent on-line bidding process was very tough and we won by being competitive throughout. We know exactly where we are with the EC225, and are very satisfied with Shell's preference for this aircraft."

Bristow Helicopters and Eurocopter have enjoyed a lengthy relationship. Prior to becoming the launch customer for the passenger transport version of the EC225, Bristow operated the SA330 Puma and AS332L Super Puma. The company became the launch customer of the Super Puma in 1980, with an order of 35 units, and the aircraft currently log an average of 1,000 hours per year.