Heli-One has selected an EC225 helicopter for use in oil and gas offshore services in the North Sea. The company, which is a subsidiary of CHC Helicopter Corporation, purchased two aircraft in 2001 and placed additional options in anticipation of further growth in demand for heavy helicopters within this market.

Two of the EC225s will operate for Total E&P UK under a five-year contract awarded in October. This brings the total orders for the EC225 for the oil and gas market in 2005 to eight, plus four options.

Last year the European Aviation Safety Agency awarded the Eurocopter EC225 helicopter an airworthiness certificate for unrestricted operations in icing conditions, paving the way to an all-weather capability.