Lufttransport RW AS Appointed as Operator for New Helicopters to Serve Norwegian Continental Shelf
Equinor, the Norwegian energy giant, has officially awarded Tromsø-based Lufttransport RW AS the contract to operate a fleet of five newly acquired helicopters manufactured by Leonardo. These helicopters will be dedicated to passenger transport operations across the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS), departing from key bases in Sola and Florø. This move marks a significant step in diversifying the helicopter models utilized for offshore activities, strengthening the robustness of Equinor’s aviation capabilities.
A New Generation of Helicopters for the NCS
The five new helicopters assigned to Lufttransport RW AS are of the AW189 type, part of Leonardo’s new generation of offshore transport aircraft. These helicopters are well-regarded in the industry for their reliability, safety features, and overall operational efficiency. Designed to meet the growing demands of offshore transport, the AW189 is built to withstand the challenging weather conditions of the North Sea, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of personnel to and from offshore installations.
Expanding the Helicopter Fleet on the NCS
Equinor has taken strategic steps in recent years to reduce its dependency on a single helicopter model for offshore operations. In 2023, the company signed agreements to procure a total of 15 new helicopters, signaling a major shift in its approach to offshore aviation. In addition to the five AW189 helicopters from Leonardo, Bell Textron Inc. will supply 10 Bell 525 helicopters, scheduled for delivery starting in 2026. This fleet expansion is aimed at enhancing safety, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring redundancy in case of unforeseen disruptions.
“The safety of our employees who travel by helicopter is our utmost priority. These new helicopters will help make offshore aviation more robust. Safe, predictable, and efficient transportation is essential to maintaining a high level of activity on the NCS for years to come,” said Ørjan Kvelvane, Equinor’s Senior Vice President of Operation and Maintenance in Exploration & Production Norway (EPN).
Lufttransport RW AS: A Trusted Offshore Operator
The contract with Lufttransport RW AS represents the first operational agreement following the procurement of these new helicopters. In addition to handling offshore transport duties, the company will also operate as a key supplement to the Sikorsky S-92, which is currently the primary helicopter model used on the NCS.
Lufttransport has built a strong reputation in Norway for its extensive experience in operating under challenging aviation conditions. The company has a proven safety record and has received regulatory approval from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority to carry out offshore flights. Equinor has also conducted thorough evaluations and determined that Lufttransport meets all necessary safety and operational requirements for this critical role.
Beyond offshore transport, Lufttransport will take on additional responsibilities related to search and rescue (SAR) operations for Equinor. This aspect of the contract, awarded in 2024, will see Lufttransport conducting SAR missions starting in early 2026, further solidifying its role as a key player in Equinor’s offshore logistics and emergency response framework.
The AW189: A Modern, Safe, and Efficient Aircraft
The selection of the AW189 as one of the primary helicopter models for offshore transport marks an important milestone in Equinor’s strategy to modernize its aviation fleet. This model has been widely adopted across the global offshore industry due to its advanced technology, safety enhancements, and strong performance capabilities.
“Lufttransport is the operator with the most experience handling Leonardo helicopters in Norway, which is a major advantage as we introduce these new helicopters into our fleet,” Kvelvane added.
The AW189 offers several key advantages, including:
- Enhanced Safety Features: The helicopter is equipped with cutting-edge avionics and redundant systems designed to enhance operational safety.
- Passenger Comfort: The spacious cabin, advanced noise reduction features, and improved vibration control contribute to a more comfortable experience for offshore workers.
- Lower Emissions: The AW189 has been engineered for better fuel efficiency, leading to reduced carbon emissions compared to older models.
- Pilot Support Systems: Advanced navigation and flight control technologies aid pilots in handling challenging weather conditions, improving overall flight safety.
The first two AW189 helicopters are expected to arrive in Norway in the spring of 2025. Following a rigorous testing and certification process, they will gradually begin operations over the summer and autumn. The remaining three helicopters will be delivered and deployed in 2026, completing the transition to a more diverse offshore aviation fleet.
Securing Long-Term Fleet Management with Milestone Aviation
As part of the overall helicopter acquisition strategy, Equinor has entered into an agreement with Milestone Aviation Group, a global leader in helicopter leasing. Through this arrangement, Milestone will assume ownership of the AW189 helicopters upon their delivery from Leonardo.
This leasing agreement provides Equinor with long-term operational flexibility and financial efficiency, allowing the company to manage and maintain its fleet under a sustainable model. “Through this agreement, we have secured long-term rights to manage these helicopters ourselves. Additionally, the contract with Lufttransport gives us a third operator for shuttle services on the NCS, alongside CHC and Bristow,” explained Mette Ottøy, Equinor’s Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management.
Equinor has structured the agreement to ensure a high degree of operational resilience, balancing technical requirements with cost-effectiveness. “We have successfully established a set of innovative agreements that provide us with robust technical solutions while enhancing the reliability of offshore helicopter services,” Ottøy added.
The fixed-term contract with Lufttransport RW AS spans approximately seven years, with an option for an additional six years. The total estimated value of the contract, including optional extensions, stands at approximately seven billion Norwegian kroner.
Similarly, the agreement with Milestone Aviation Group is valued at just over two billion Norwegian kroner and covers a potential duration of up to 20 years, providing Equinor with long-term fleet stability.
Union Support and Industry Approval
Equinor has actively involved trade unions and employee representatives throughout the decision-making process regarding the selection of new helicopter models. Representatives from Equinor’s safety delegate service and other labor organizations have expressed their approval of the AW189 selection, recognizing its contributions to offshore aviation safety and reliability.
In a joint statement, the trade unions emphasized their confidence in the newly selected helicopter model: “These helicopters have the quality and characteristics that we want on the NCS. The new helicopter types have been developed with a strong focus on safety, improved comfort, reduced noise, and minimal vibration, all of which contribute to a better experience for offshore workers.”
A Step Forward in Offshore Aviation
Equinor’s decision to diversify its offshore aviation fleet is a forward-thinking approach aimed at enhancing safety, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. The introduction of AW189 helicopters operated by Lufttransport RW AS, alongside the upcoming Bell 525 deliveries, represents a significant evolution in Norway’s offshore transport infrastructure. With strong commitments from industry partners, including Milestone Aviation Group, CHC, and Bristow, Equinor is set to maintain a robust and secure offshore helicopter transport system for years to come.
