Bond Offshore Helicopters is introducing three latest technology EC225s to its fleet. Bill Munro, md, says: "With their enhanced specification, range and operational efficiency, the EC225s are particularly suited to long range flights servicing BP's activities east and west of Shetland. The capability to fly direct from Aberdeen, with no need to refuel en route, avoids potential delays if, for example, Shetland is fog-bound."

The new aircraft will bring Bond Offshore Helicopters fleet of Super Pumas to ten. The three EC225s are on crew change contracts, as are five Super Puma AS332L Mark IIs, with two specially-modified AS332L Mark IIs dedicated to air-sea rescue.

Munro says the acquisition of the EC225s is part of a continuing investment programme in support of new contracts worth almost £240 million which also includes staff and facilities. The contracts include two new clients, ConocoPhillips (U.K.) and Maersk Contractors U.K., and an amendment to an existing contract with BP Exploration.

From earlier this month, Bond is operating two of the new EC225 aircraft on crew change flights for BP in the North Sea and west of Shetland. Bond will operate a third EC225 under a five-year contract with ConocoPhillips for services in the central North Sea. Two Super Puma AS332L Mark IIs, released from contract with BP, will be used in support of various clients, including Maersk Contractors U.K., on behalf of North Sea Production Company, for which Bond began operating in June under a five-year contract servicing the McCulloch Field.

Munro says: "The addition of new clients reinforces the current expansion of our fleet, staff and base facilities as part of our strategy to expand operations in the U.K. and overseas."