Bristow Helicopters Ltd has secured a £multi-million five year deal with the Integrated Aviation Consortium (IAC) in the UK North Sea. The IAC comprises six major oil companies: BP, CNR International, Fairfield Energy, Petrofac, Shell and TAQA. The contract was renewed for a five year term with the option to extend for an additional five years.

The agreement sees Bristow appointed as lead management contractor to provide helicopter services from Scatsta Airport in the Shetland Islands to the East and West Shetland Basins. As part of the contract, Bristow is also responsible for airport management and fixed wing services.

Mike Imlach, Bristow’s Director of European Operations said: “The IAC contract is the largest held by Bristow’s European Business Unit and one of the company’s largest global agreements. Securing a major client such as this for a further five years is a major coup for Bristow and testament to the quality of service that we provide.

“The provision of an integrated package, which offers a single point of contact for helicopter, fixed wing and airport management services, has proved to be attractive and beneficial to operators. Bristow plans to further build on initiatives such as these as part of its ongoing growth strategy and dedication to providing a quality and reliable service.”

As part of the agreement Bristow will fly approximately 6,500 hours annually, via 400 helicopter flights per month, and the operation will move more than 100,000 passengers per year.

Eastern Airways has partnered with Bristow to provide fixed wing flights on behalf of the IAC.
Richard Lake, Eastern Airways managing director, said: “We are very pleased to have been awarded this important contract for the IAC. We have developed an excellent partnership with Bristow Helicopters and the IAC since stepping in to support the operation in December 2008. This confirms Eastern Airways’ position as the leading fixed-wing supplier to the European offshore industry.”

Serco Defence, Science and Nuclear will continue to work with Bristow to provide facilities at Scatsta Airport for the consortium. Andrew White, Chief Executive of Serco’s Defence, Science and Nuclear business, commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to further demonstrate our full range of regulated aviation services. We are looking forward to working alongside BHL to ensure the provision of safe, timely and cost-effective airport services for the oil company consortium. As the incumbent provider at Scatsta Airport, this achievement pays testament to the fact that we are never complacent about our commitment to safely providing quality aviation services, always looking for new and innovative ways of improving our offering.”

Bristow has been a key player in the IAC, providing services since 1994. In addition, six new technology S92 aircraft have been introduced into the operation since 2006.