Aircraft arrival marks new era for Bristow's North Sea operations

Bristow's UK Offshore Energy Services teams are preparing to deliver the next era of passenger transport for North Sea passengers, with the arrival of the first member of a brand-new helicopter fleet.

The AW189 aircraft - G-OEND - arrived at Bristow's Aberdeen facility fresh from the Leonardo production line in Italy, where it was the focus of extensive examinations and detailed testing from Bristow and Leonardo teams.

And, as work to prepare the aircraft for the next phase of testing and training continues in Bristow hangars, staff are looking forward to the aircraft taking to the Aberdeen skies, with the first passenger flights aiming to get underway within the next few weeks.

UKOES Accountable Manager, Theo Adams, said: "It's fantastic to see the first aircraft here in Aberdeen - it represents a huge amount of work from our teams.

“Bringing a new aircraft type into service is a major task. There is no margin for error and it takes a great deal of skill, experience and effort. I'm grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to get to this point.

“There is still work to complete as we continue to prepare the aircraft and train teams ahead of the first passenger flights, but seeing G-OEND in our Aberdeen hangar is a great moment for our North Sea operations.”

As Adams explains, the new UKOES fleet isn't just about offering a comfortable new experience for passengers - it's about growing a robust and effective service, with strength in diversity and capability for future North Sea operations.

“Four new aircraft is a significant and important investment in our continued safe and effective operations here,” said Adams. 

"We will be the only UK operator to offer North Sea customers this modern, safe and comfortable airframe. And, with years of experience in AW189 operations across the Bristow group - and with UK SAR in particular - we are perfectly positioned to lead the industry in offering this capability to customers old and new.

“Thank you, again, to everyone who continues to work so hard to ensure we remain at the forefront of innovation and service delivery.”

Watch this space for updates as more new members of the UK OES AW189 fleet arrive, and passenger operations get underway.