[The following press release from Bond supplements HeliHub’s own story regarding the delivery of these two 365s]

The latest additions to Bond Offshore Helicopters’ fleet of aircraft have entered service on behalf of new client, Perenco (UK) Ltd, in the UK sector of the southern North Sea.

Crew change flights with two AS365N3 Dauphin aircraft started this week under a five-year contract, worth approximately £45 million, with three one-year options to extend.
One of the aircraft is based on the East Leman gas platform – the only helicopter stationed offshore in the southern North Sea – and the other at Norwich Airport where hanger facilities and offices are located. Twenty Bond staff are employed on the contract.

The modern technology, medium category AS365N3 aircraft has capacity for 11 passengers and two crew.

Perenco operates five compression hubs/gas gathering platforms off the Norfolk coast, as well as the Pickerill gas field.

Bill Munro, Bond Offshore Helicopters’ Managing Director, said: “The contract is a further demonstration of our successful strategy to develop the company’s operations which have undergone significant expansion in recent months. With extensive previous experience of the southern North Sea, we are delighted to return to the sector.”

With its headquarters and main operations in Aberdeen, the privately-owned British company was established in 2001 and now also has bases in Blackpool and Shetland, as well as Norwich. The latest expansion brings its fleet to 14 aircraft and staff to around 280.

As well as scheduled and ad hoc crew change flights for a growing number of clients in the offshore oil and gas industry, Bond also provides dedicated search & rescue services, freight and onshore & offshore lifting services, and VIP charters.

For information on Bond Offshore Helicopters, access www.bondoffshorehelicopters.com

About Perenco
Perenco is a leading oil & gas company with a presence in 16 countries, spanning from Africa to South America, and from the Middle East to Europe. Perenco’s expertise covers gas and oil operations, both onshore and offshore.  Perenco currently produces approximately 250,000 boepd. Exploration is a key part of Perenco’s growth strategy and the group has established positions in world-class basins such as Brazil, Belize, Australia, Peru and the Northern part of Iraq.  Perenco employs more than 4,500 people worldwide and is proud to be a responsible and safe operator and a partner of choice.  www.perenco.com