The helicopters will be used by Avincis' subsidiary Bond Helicopters Australia (Bond) to service its multi-million dollar, five year contract with the PTTEP Australasia Group of Companies, part of Thailand's national petroleum exploration and production company. This is Bond's first major contract in the region and marks the company's entry into one of the fastest growing offshore markets in the world.
The three 11-ton EC225s integrate the latest technological innovations of the Super Puma family of aircraft, and are specifically configured for offshore flight. The aircraft type is used on missions around the world, and has flown more than 300,000 flight hours.
Avincis CEO James Drummond said: "We are delighted to have secured these aircraft for our new Bond business in Australia. This strengthens our strategic relationship with Eurocopter, who are an important partner in Avincis' future growth."
"Our long-term relationship with the Avincis Group has been built on a basis of mutual confidence, and I look forward to furthering this partnership with the delivery of three more EC225s," said Eurocopter CEO Guillaume Faury. "Avincis Group can count on Eurocopter's continued support in ensuring the full service of the helicopters in their vital missions for the oil and gas industry."
These latest additions to Avincis' global fleet of around 350 aircraft will be support PTTEP's operations in the Timor Sea. The first two aircraft will be delivered in December 2013, with the third EC225 due to arrive in the second half of 2014.
As part of its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence, Avincis continues to invest in the purchase of new aircraft, allowing it to operate one of the most modern and technologically advanced fleets in Europe. Headquartered in the UK, the Group provides central resources, global standards and systems and expertise to its 13 local operating companies.
Last year Avincis companies flew over 108,500 hours, conducted over 50,600 emergency health care missions, rescued more than 8,600 people at sea or on mountains, helped to put out over 7,800 fires and carried more than 175,900 passengers in the oil and gas industries.
About Avincis Group
Avincis is the world's leading provider of aerial services for mission-critical operations such as medical emergency, civil protection, search & rescue, coast and city surveillance, fire fighting and energy support services. Based in the UK, the Group provides central resources, safety and operating standards and systems and expertise to its operating companies who serve local markets and customers in Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Chile, Peru, UK, Norway, Australia and Ireland. Of primary importance is the Group's oversight of safety standards across all its operations, with a global target of zero accidents. In 2012, the Group flew over 108,500 hours worldwide.
Website: www.avincisgroup.com