Showing posts with label Bristow Helicopters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bristow Helicopters. Show all posts

05 March, 2024

No technical faults found in preliminary investigation of S-76 Norway crash.

No technical faults have been found on the Bristow Helicopters Sikorsky S-92  that was involved in a crash in Norway at the end of last month, investigators report.

The bulk of the helicopter was recovered on 1st March along with the flight recorders which were sent to the UK's Civil Aviation Authority. They have since been downloaded successfully according to the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) which confirmed the investigation is continuing.  

The NSIA warned the investigation was still at an early stage, advising it was “too early to draw any conclusions” however, thus far it “has not observed any technical fault which contributed to the accident”. The NSIA added, “We have downloaded data and it is currently being analysed. We have had interviews with some of the crew from the helicopter,”.

The accident happened during a training search and rescue flight, approximately 15 nautical miles west of Bergen, Norway.  The helicopter, registration LN-OIJ, was operating with six crew members onboard at the time of the incident. One fatality was confirmed on the day of the crash and the other five crew members have suffered varying levels of injuries. 

Bristow Helicopters stated "Our thoughts are with all those affected during this incredibly difficult period. At this time, the full resources of Bristow’s incident response team are being mobilized. The company is in the process of contacting and providing assistance to family members of those onboard and fully cooperating with authorities responding to the incident. Our highest priority is to take care of our crew and their family members and provide them with any assistance needed."

Flight Global reports that images of the wreckage indicate the main rotor and tail rotor were spinning at the time of impact. The S-92 was fitted with automatic floats which should deploy in events of this kind, however, images of LN-OIJ show these floats had not deployed.






Your travel planning isn’t complete without learning the language—or at least some essential phrases. Fully immerse yourself in the language, or use Phrasebook to learn travel essentials—the choice is yours!

29 February, 2024

Bristow Helicopters to order up to 15 H135s from Airbus Helicopters.

Airbus Helicopters and Bristow Group announced a framework contract for up to fifteen H135 helicopters (five firm orders, plus 10 options) during this year’s HAI Heli-Expo. The delivery of the first helicopter is scheduled for October 2024.
Airbus Helicopters and Bristow Group announced a framework contract for up to fifteen H135 helicopters (five firm orders, plus 10 options) during this year’s HAI Heli-Expo. The delivery of the first helicopter is scheduled for October 2024.

“I’d like to thank the Bristow Group for their renewed trust in our helicopters. Airbus Helicopters and Bristow Group share a long history, and I am very proud to open a new chapter in our partnership”, said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H135 has proven it's perfect for offshore missions with customers all over the world, especially thanks to Airbus Helicopters' Helionix avionics suite, which reduces pilot workload and increases safety."

“Our longstanding relationship with Airbus, coupled with our extensive experience operating the H135 since 2006, underscores the helicopter’s exceptional performance and reliability,” said Stu Stavley, Chief Operating Officer, Offshore Energy Services for Bristow Group. “The H135 has proven itself to be a very capable helicopter, both for missions offshore and overland.”

28 February, 2024

Airbus and Bristow Group announce framework contract for up to 15 H135 helicopters

Airbus Helicopters and Bristow Group announced a framework contract for up to fifteen H135 helicopters (five firm orders, plus 10 options) during this year’s HAI Heli-Expo. The delivery of the first helicopter is scheduled for October 2024.
Airbus Helicopters and Bristow Group announced a framework contract for up to fifteen H135 helicopters (five firm orders, plus 10 options) during this year’s HAI Heli-Expo. The delivery of the first helicopter is scheduled for October 2024.

“I’d like to thank the Bristow Group for their renewed trust in our helicopters. Airbus Helicopters and Bristow Group share a long history, and I am very proud to open a new chapter in our partnership”, said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H135 has proven it's perfect for offshore missions with customers all over the world, especially thanks to Airbus Helicopters' Helionix avionics suite, which reduces pilot workload and increases safety."

“Our longstanding relationship with Airbus, coupled with our extensive experience operating the H135 since 2006, underscores the helicopter’s exceptional performance and reliability,” said Stu Stavley, Chief Operating Officer, Offshore Energy Services for Bristow Group. “The H135 has proven itself to be a very capable helicopter, both for missions offshore and overland.”

08 February, 2024

Bristow takes major step towards the next generation of coast guard search and rescue aviation services in Ireland

Bristow granted Air Operators Certificate following detailed assessment by Irish Aviation Authority Certificate award is next step towards seamless transition to a new, innovative Coast Guard search and rescue aviation service for Ireland
Bristow Ireland Limited, a subsidiary of Bristow Group Inc, the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), marking a significant step towards the next generation of Coast Guard search and rescue aviation services in Ireland.

"Gaining an AOC is a fundamental requirement to provide search and rescue in Ireland," said Neil Ebberson, Bristow Director of Government Services. "It was awarded after the successful completion of a lengthy application and assessment process run by the IAA and ensures the highest standards of professionalism and safety are met in the country."

To gain AOC approval, Bristow Ireland was required to demonstrate that its AW189 aircraft will meet the Irish regulator's requirements for safe and compliant operations; submit detailed documentation to show that it can safely manage continued airworthiness; demonstrate that it can safely operate the AW189 to the required standards; and carry out a proving flight with the AW189 in Ireland.

Ebberson added: "With more than 75+ years of global experience to draw on, our Ireland team demonstrated that we have the experience, skills, and capabilities to operate to the standards the IAA demands for an Air Operator Certificate.

"The next phases of preparation for this critical new service are well in hand. TOEXCEL Ireland Limited - who are our fixed-wing partners - are working in parallel for the award of a fixed-wing AOC, which will in turn enable us to deliver the capability enhancements. We are looking forward to reporting more progress as we move towards the initial transition to the new service in late 2024."

Bristow now has Air Operating Certificates covering 11 jurisdictions.

08 September, 2023

Bristow and Volocopter aim to bring UAM services to U.S. and U.K.

Bristow Group, a leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, and Volocopter, the pioneer of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), have signed an agreement to explore and develop passenger and cargo services for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the U.S. and U.K.

As part of this collaboration, Bristow has placed a firm order for two VoloCity aircraft to be delivered after certification with an option to purchase a further 78 vehicles in the future. Both parties will begin immediate cooperation to build a UAM ecosystem that includes regulatory discussions, infrastructure exploration, and local partnership building.

The joint development agreement covers the exploration of commercial, operational, and eVTOL aircraft maintenance services, including adaptation of the VoloIQ, Volocopter's proprietary digital platform, to ensure Bristow's efficient future operations. This collaboration brings forth a wealth of aviation expertise – Bristow's reliable vertical flight operations and an existing global service network, as well as Volocopter's dedicated development and certification of a safe, quiet, and sustainable eVTOL aircraft.

The eVTOL is a rapidly growing segment of electric aviation. With no emissions in flight and an ultra-low noise signature, the addition of the VoloCity to Bristow's operational fleet opens doors to new routes and service opportunities within urban environments.

24 August, 2023

Bristow's wins 10 year contract to provide eight aircraft Irish Coast Guard Aviation Service


                                   Bristow Ireland Limited has signed a contract with the Irish Department of Transport for the provision of rotary and fixed-wing aviation services for the Irish Coast Guard.

Bristow will begin transitioning to the new contract in the fourth quarter of 2024. The Company will operate six specialised SAR-configured AW189 helicopters from four dedicated bases in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford, and Dublin Weston. The AW189s will be configured with the latest evolution of mission system reflecting the requirements of the Irish Coast Guard.

In an expansion to the current service for the Irish Coast Guard, two specialized King Air fixed-wing aircraft will provide operational support from Shannon Airport for search and rescue and environmental monitoring. The fixed-wing element of the service will also provide highly sophisticated aircraft mission management and communications systems (in coordination with the helicopter fleet). The fixed-wing aircraft will also be available to provide 'Top Cover' support to helicopters engaged in long-range medical evacuations.

Bristow will deliver nationwide all-weather 24-hour coverage, 365 days a year. Under the new contract, Bristow will create or sustain more than 150 jobs ranging from specialist ground support, engineering, flight operations, and in-country maintenance and support capabilities, ensuring its teams and aircraft stand at full readiness to respond to tasking from the Irish Coast Guard.

23 August, 2023

Bristow Ireland Limited signs contract with Irish Department of Transport to deliver search and rescue (SAR) aviation services on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard


                                   Bristow Ireland Limited, a subsidiary of Bristow Group Inc. the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, has signed a contract with the Irish Department of Transport for the provision of rotary and fixed-wing aviation services for the Irish Coast Guard.

Bristow will begin transitioning to the new contract in the fourth quarter of 2024. The Company will operate six specialised SAR-configured AW189 helicopters from four dedicated bases in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford, and Dublin Weston. The AW189s will be configured with the latest evolution of mission system reflecting the requirements of the Irish Coast Guard.

In an expansion to the current service for the Irish Coast Guard, two specialized King Air fixed-wing aircraft will provide operational support from Shannon Airport for search and rescue and environmental monitoring. The fixed-wing element of the service will also provide highly sophisticated aircraft mission management and communications systems (in coordination with the helicopter fleet). The fixed-wing aircraft will also be available to provide 'Top Cover' support to helicopters engaged in long range medical evacuations.

Bristow will deliver nationwide all-weather 24-hour coverage, 365 days a year. Under the new contract, Bristow will create or sustain more than 150 jobs ranging from specialist ground support, engineering, flight operations, and in-country maintenance and support capabilities, ensuring its teams and aircraft stand at full readiness to respond to tasking from the Irish Coast Guard.

31 May, 2023

Bristow announced as preferred bidder for the Irish Coast Guard Aviation Service

Bristow Ireland Ltd, part of the much larger Bristow Group. a leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions has been announced by the Irish Department of Transport as the preferred bidder for the next Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) search & rescue aviation (SAR) contract.

Following the announcement by the Irish Coast Guard yesterday, Alan Corbett, Bristow's Chief Operating Officer, Government Services, said: "We are honoured the Irish Department of Transport has confirmed Bristow Ireland as the preferred bidder for the provision of the Irish Coast Guard Aviation Service.

"We will continue working closely with the Irish Department of Transport to finalise contracts and look forward to integrating our significant global experience and capabilities into this critical public service."

The contract will provide for the day and night-time operation of four helicopter bases in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin. In addition to the helicopter service, the new Coast Guard aviation service will, for the first time, also include a fixed-wing aircraft element.

More information about the Irish Coast Guard Aviation Service contract can be found on the gov.ie website.

18 October, 2022

Aberdeen Airport gets delivery of sustainable aviation fuel for Bristow helicopter flights.

Last week Aberdeen Airport took delivery of sustainable aviation fuel from Air bp and will be blended with traditional jet fuel for Bristow flights to bp’s North Sea offshore operations in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).

Mark Beveridge, Operations Director at Aberdeen International Airport, said: “This is an important announcement for Aberdeen International Airport and the North East of Scotland.

“It is recognised globally that SAF will play a major role in making jet zero aviation a reality and SAF has the potential to significantly reduce UK aviation emissions. bp’s decision to make SAF commercially available at Aberdeen is a significant moment.

“There is a real opportunity for Aberdeen to help drive a domestic SAF industry here in the UK and in doing so, we can support the decarbonisation of the oil and gas sector transport."

SAF has the potential to play an important role in meeting the aviation industry’s carbon reduction targets and is recognised as part of the government’s jet zero strategy and ambition to drive net-zero aviation by 2050.







22 July, 2022

Bristow gains new search and rescue contract by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Bristow Helicopters, the global leader in innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, has been awarded a £1.6 billion 10-year contract for the Second-Generation Search and Rescue Aviation ("UKSAR2G") program by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), an executive agency of the Department for Transport.


New 10-year contract combines existing rotary and fixed wing services into fully integrated, innovative solution led by Bristow
Bristow-led consortium to begin transitioning to new contract beginning September 30, 2024 through December 31, 2026, to ensure a continuation of critical lifesaving search and rescue aviation services across the whole of the U.K.
Bristow will work in partnership with 2Excel Aviation, a leading specialist in fixed wing aerospace services, and Nova Systems, the consortium's innovation partner, to deliver the contract for the MCA on behalf of Her Majesty's Coastguard. The new contract will see the U.K. search and rescue region benefit from innovation and advances in technology to save more lives, even more quickly.

The contract combines the existing two separate aviation contracts for fixed wing aircraft and rotary aircraft and will include the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Since 2013 and 2019, respectively, Bristow and 2Excel have operated search and rescue services for the U.K. in the original SAR and Aerial Surveillance contracts. During that time, the companies have displayed exceptional quality, innovation, and skill in their work rescuing over 4,500 people over the past seven years.

"We are very pleased with the MCA's trust in Bristow to continue to provide safe and reliable search and rescue services with our crews to help save lives throughout the United Kingdom," said Bristow President and CEO Chris Bradshaw. "Through this new, innovative contract, Bristow and our partners will increase efficiencies and innovations as well as establish additional seasonal bases to further expand our service."

As part of the new contract, Bristow will continue to operate from their current 10 bases and will launch two new seasonal bases in Fort William and Carlisle, to serve areas around two of the busiest locations for summer tourism. The Fort William and Carlisle bases will operate 12 hours a day from April to September. All other helicopter bases will continue to be operational 24 hours a day.

The partners will operate:

18 helicopters, including nine existing Leonardo AW189s and three existing Sikorsky S-92s augmented by the introduction of six new Leonardo AW139 helicopters;
Six King Air fixed-wing airplanes, including the B350, B350ER and the B200 at Doncaster, Prestwick and Newquay; and 
One mobile deployable Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS.
"Since inception 2Excel has built a reputation for being highly skilled at creating innovative solutions and quickly turning complex aviation concepts into leading edge capabilities. 



23 March, 2021

UK helicopter operator - Bristow achieves major international safety standard


S92 Bristow 
Bristow Group Inc. is the first helicopter operator in the UK to achieve a new mandatory international aviation safety standard designed to ensure the airworthiness of its aircraft, underscoring the Company's commitment to safety and industry leadership.

Bristow was notified it officially achieved the certification – Continued Airworthiness Management Organisation certification (known as Part CAMO) – on March 22, 2021, well ahead of the required compliance date of August 2021, determined by the Civil Aviation Authority, following European Aviation Safety Agency guidelines.

The Bristow Group Inc. primarily provides aviation services to a broad base of major integrated, national and independent offshore energy companies. Bristow provides commercial search and rescue (SAR) services in several countries and public sector SAR services in the United Kingdom on behalf of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. The firm also offers ad hoc helicopter and fixed-wing transportation services. 

Part CAMO includes new procedures, which for the first time, formally require the establishment, implementation and maintenance of a management system that includes safety management and compliance monitoring of those responsible for airworthiness operations.

09 June, 2019

2019 Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy Presented to Winchman Paramedic Scott Sharman

The Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy has been presented to Winchman Paramedic Scott Sharman at the Air League’s Annual Awards Ceremony at St James Palace recently.

Sponsored by Bristow Helicopters and Breitling UK, the Trophy was established to further the memory of Mr Billy Deacon, a Bristow Helicopters Winchman, who was tragically lost during the course of a rescue while carrying out his Winchman duties on the SAR helicopter based at Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands, in 1997.

The Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy is awarded to Winchmen and/or Winch Operators for meritorious service during SAR helicopter operations within the UK and Irish SAR Regions. The award committee, independently chaired by the Operations Director of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, sits annually to consider nominations.

Search