CHC Helicopter Service earlier today confirmed that flight HKS 241 from the Gullfaks B platform was involved in an accident near the Flesland Airport in Bergen, Norway on April 29, 2016. The helicopter, an Airbus EC 225, carried 11 passengers and two crewmembers. The flight was operated on behalf of Statoil.

“We are greatly saddened by this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones and colleagues of those on board,” said Karl Fessenden, President and Chief Executive Officer of CHC Helicopter. “We have mobilized our response team and our experts are working closely with Norwegian authorities, Airbus Helicopters and Statoil. Safety remains of paramount importance to all of us at CHC.”

Based on guidance from Airbus Helicopters and in line with regulatory authorities in Norway and the UK, all EC225 commercial flights will be put on hold with the exception of search-and-rescue missions. CHC is working with its customers to prioritise the availability of alternative aircraft and will provide as much capacity as possible using those resources.