Nick - MaxNG
Even with their "unique" Gallic customer "support" and their dainty designs, EC probably aren't too depressed:
MaxNG is it not true that CHC have the 225 on order already?? Or will they pull out of the deal after the two BP contract losses? Plus CHC run the biggest 332 / Makila overhaul business outside France so have a big interest in the family.
Bond have ordered L2s for their long BP transport contract, doubling the UK L2 fleet. IMHO they would not want the hassle of supporting a second {large} type on any future contracts for several years if they could avoid it (and may not have the people anyway).
Bristow (who flown nearly 50% of all civil AS332 hours) may well have reconsidered their view on the merits of Sikorsky product support after events last year.
The people who really decide on the types the operators bid for a contract are the oil companies. The only other UK contract with enough aircraft to justify ordering a new type (ignoring any orders to implement Jigsaw) must be well over half way through its term (but smart money must surely be a change of type in the southern sector being even more likely). That oil company probably still have bitter memories of the introduction and demise of the BV234 (all new types = all new problems).
So Nick, are Sikorsky's spending quality time with the North Sea oil companies yet?? If so, how do you prove to an oil company sceptic that a new type will perform out the box safely & reliably and meet the DOC?
Having said that, with the S-92A, AB139 and EC155 on offer it looks like the next few years may be very interesting in the North Sea....!