19-Apr-2011 Source: CHC
CHC Helicopter, the world’s leading offshore helicopter services provider, is pleased to announce a joint partnership with the Civil Aviation
Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI).
This new partnership will provide CHC Helicopter with the opportunity to obtain and maintain a Cayman Islands Air Operator Certificate to conduct offshore operations in several foreign jurisdictions worldwide. The Cayman Islands AOC was issued to CHC Helicopter today marking this date as a tremendous milestone for both parties. Two inaugural CHC AS332L2 Super Puma aircraft have now been transferred to the Cayman Islands Register. VP-CHC and VP-CHB will soon be commencing offshore operations in South America.
CHC’s existing operating structure, content and standards are closely aligned with the CAACI Air Regulations, which made for a smooth transition for CHC. In return, CAACI issued an AOC to the world’s largest commercial helicopter company servicing the world’s offshore oil and gas sector, allowing CAACI to diversify its base of private and corporate aircraft to accommodate the CHC Helicopter fleet.
“I am proud that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands and CHC has agreed to such a mutually beneficial arrangement,” said William J. Amelio, President and CEO, CHC Helicopter. “We are pleased to be approved by the CAACI as they can provide us with the flexibility and scope we require for our operations.”
“We are very pleased to be associated with CHC Helicopter, a company whose embedded safety culture exemplifies quality air transport operations that leads the aviation industry,” said Richard Smith, Director-General of the CAACI. “Their credible reputation in the global aviation industry underscores the selective nature with which the CAACI accepts registrants to the Cayman Islands Aircraft Registry.”
CHC Helicopter is the world’s largest helicopter services company, specializing in the transport of personnel to offshore oil platforms.
The CHC Helicopter group of companies is also a world-leader in the provision of civilian Search-and-Rescue operations with major contracts in the UK, Ireland and Australia and a world leader in helicopter maintenance through its Delta, British Columbia-based division, Heli-One.
The Civil Aviation Authority is the statutory body responsible for aviation regulatory (technical/safety and economic) oversight throughout the Cayman Islands and for aircraft registered in the Cayman Islands.
HeliHub.com editor comment:- We have run the press release verbatim. These two AS332L2s are for operations in the Falkland Islands, not South America. They will be operated for AGR Petroleum Services, one of the largest independent well management firms in the world, who have been contracted by Desire Petroleum and Rockhopper Exploration Plc to provide logistical support and undertake a six well drilling programme in the North Falklands Basin. Desire Petroleum has four prospects while Rockhopper will have two exploration wells drilled. CHC’s operations here replaces a short-term S61 contract operated by British International Helicopters, who have operated the type on a military contract on the islands for some years.
The two AS332L2s concerned are
