Following a competitive tender process Bristow Helicopters Ltd has been successful in securing a significant new contract to provide helicopter services to BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd. The contract is for a five year term, with an option to extend, and has a value around £125million.

Bristow will provide helicopter support for BP’s offshore installations to the West of Shetland and in the East Shetland Basin commencing in July 2015 with two sole-use Sikorsky S-92 aircraft based at Sumburgh Airport in Shetland.

Mike Imlach, Director of European Operations for Bristow Helicopters described the BP contract award as “A significant win for Bristow, we look forward to operating a safe efficient service supporting BP’s offshore requirements from Sumburgh. This contract also will grow our presence in Shetland, where we already provide Search & Rescue services to the Maritime & Coastguard Agency from Sumburgh Airport and offshore helicopter services to the Integrated Aviation Consortium from Scatsta Airport.”

Mark Hardie, BP’s UK Logistics Infrastructure Manager, said “BP’s major investment programme in the Shetland region will see a significant increase in personnel working offshore, especially on the Clair Ridge and Schiehallion developments. We look forward to working with Bristow to deliver a safe and efficient service for passengers. The contract is good news for Shetland and will provide jobs and an enhanced base at Sumburgh airport to support future developments.”

Bristow Helicopters is affiliated with the global Bristow Group which has 60 years of experience in providing helicopter services. It operates facilities around the world in some of the most hostile environments delivering helicopter transportation, search and rescue and maintenance services to clients. Bristow’s industry-leading aircrew and engineering training programmes ensure that its clients receive the highest degree of flexibility and the safest, most experienced flight and maintenance crews available ensuring confidence in flight worldwide.