Geoffrey Williams, the MD of Bond Offshore Helicopter Ltd, was in Eurocopter's Marignane Plant to take delivery of the first of the six AS 332 L2 Super Pumas ordered by the company.
In September 2002, Bond Offshore Helicopters Ltd and Eurocopter signed a contract worth close to 80 million euros for the delivery of six 6 AS 332 L2s. Five of these aircraft will be delivered before July 2004 in the Crew Change configuration. The 6th aircraft will be delivered in August 2005, making it one of the most advanced SAR helicopters in the world.
This contract marked the return of the company to offshore activities thanks to a service contract with BP, the worlds second largest oil company.
Eurocopter has played an active part in consolidating this new activity, specifically by training the aircrews in Helisim's flight simulation facilities. For manufacturer and operator alike, the support aspect has been a key factor in meeting the challenge facing Bond Offshore Helicopters.
The AS 332 L2 Super Pumas will operate in the North Sea to service oil production platforms located 140 nautical miles from the coast. The Crew Change helicopters will be stationed in Aberdeen where Bond Offshore Helicopters has opened new facilities. This version of the helicopter incorporates several improvements, including the latest generation ventilation system and staggered seats for greater comfort.