These are exciting times in Norway. The first of the Norsk helicopter's new Sikorsky S-92A helicopters has arrived at Sola head office.

In close collaboration with Statoil, Norsk Helikopter is the first helicopter operator on the Norwegian continental shelf to introduce a brand new generation of helicopter material for offshore transportation services. A total of two new Sikorsky S-92A helicopters will be used for fixed helicopter services between Flesland and Statoil’s installations in the Tampen area. The first helicopter will be put into ordinary traffic from 21st February and will be succeeded by a second helicopter from 21st march. The two new helicopters will replace two Super Puma helicopters stationed at Flesland.

The Sikorsky S-92A has been designed and developed over several years, and it is approved in accordance with the new safety and certification requirements from the US and European CAA.

Sikorsky S-92A accommodates 19 passengers and has major improvements within comfort, range and upgraded safety. Additionally, the helicopters are equipped with among other things de-ice equipment to enable operation in icy conditions. Each helicopter has a cost of approx. NOK 120 million.

Norsk Helikopter already has long-term contracts with Statoil, Total E&P Norge and ExxonMobil Norge. The company has its head office at Sola, and has in addition bases in Bergen, Brønnøysund and Hammerfest, and offshore bases at Frigg QP and Heidrun. Norsk Helikopter is owned by Andreas K.L. Ugland (1%), Knut Axel Ugland Holding (50%) and Bristow Helicopters Ltd. (49%).

FMI: www.sikorsky.com