Says It Will Not Resume Flying The Helicopters Even If Restrictions Are Lifted

A worldwide search is underway by the Norwegian state oil company Statoil for a replacement of its fleet of Airbus Super Puma H225 and AS332 L2 helicopters following in light of ongoing restrictions placed on the aircraft by Norway's air safety regulators.

The website oilandgaspeople.com reports that Statoil has confirmed that it will not resume flying the aircraft even if those restrictions are limited.

The aircraft were grounded by Norway following an accident that fatally injured 13 oil workers earlier this year. The ban has since been lifted by EASA, but Norway's Civil Aviation Authority has not approved the resumption of commercial flights of the aircraft.

I a statement, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said: “I regret the timing of Statoil’s comments during a difficult period for the offshore community as a whole, at a time when we are working with the Norwegian Authorities and investigation team to address the specific concerns regarding the return to service of the H225 and AS332 L2 in the region.

“We also continue to work with customers worldwide to ensure the safe operation of the more than 120 helicopters of the H225 and AS332 L2 family flying today.”

The decision by Statoil leaves Sikorsky's S-92 as the only helicopter approved for use by offshore oil operators in the country. That situation is viewed as "risky" should something happen to ground the S-92.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.statoil.com