Didn't I read somewhere that the big change in the 20 years since then is that oil and gas exploration is pushing the fields further and further out from land, to places where the 225/92 simply can't reach without significant sacrifices like extra tankage in place of pax, pushing the -101 back into the frame (and, possibly, just possibly the Boeing -247)? So too expensive given the current locations of the field, but a possibility given projected locations. Never say never!

Pumaboy,

The issue is that potentially the AW101 offers something which the O&G operators want and is increasingly a trend: to hit ultra deep water and LR wells. They have Gen 5 drill ships now which can drill in water hundreds of miles offshore but no ability to do crew change or supply it.

There are probably 3/4 helicopters which could do it, CH53 (if they made a civvy variant) CH47 and AW101. 53 and 47 are too big for most decks which leaves the AW101.

While the cost is undoubtedly high, if an oilco got on board (not as stupid as it sounds), esp one of the really big boys (Chevron, EM, Shell, BP), the competitive advantage they could have over their rivals would be large. We're talking about companies which turn over over $1bn a day so investing a few hundred million in some aircraft to enable them to exploit long range wells, especially if it gives them a monopoly on something, is absolutely something they could do.

Just my thoughts. I agree that a regular RW operator (BHL, Bond, CHC et al) could not afford to do it without monumental investment, they don't have the cash.

DM300, sorry I didn't see your post before posting mine, agree with you 100%.