Norway’s state-owned energy giant, Equinor, has awarded multi-year helicopter service contracts worth approximately $430 million (NOK 4.3 billion) to CHC Helikopter Service and Lufttransport RW to enhance crew transportation and operational safety across the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).
Under the new agreements, both operators will provide helicopter transport from Bergen, serving key offshore installations including Troll, Gullfaks, Oseberg, Martin Linge, Statfjord, Kvitebjørn, and Valemon.
Ørjan Kvelvane, Equinor’s Head of Operations Support, emphasized that safety remains the company’s top priority:
“The safety of everyone traveling to and from offshore work is always our highest priority. CHC and Lufttransport are experienced operators who understand the stringent safety and service requirements on the Norwegian shelf.”
The contracts will officially commence in May 2026 and run through December 2028, with an option for extension until 2030.
CHC Helikopter Service will deploy three Sikorsky S-92 helicopters, two relocated from Sola and one additional aircraft, to support Bergen operations.
Lufttransport RW will initially operate two AW139 helicopters, transitioning to AW189 models by 2027.
Equinor and the operators have begun thorough pre-operation preparations, including verification of safety manuals, IT and physical security, and technical training. According to Kvelvane, both operators “have made good progress in hiring pilots and technicians with relevant experience,” with training programs approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway.
Equinor currently facilitates around 320,000 passenger flights annually, totaling more than 24,000 flight hours, making it one of Europe’s busiest offshore transport operations.
This new contract follows Equinor’s July 2025 three-year helicopter service deal with CHC Helicopter for operations on the UK Continental Shelf, reinforcing the company’s commitment to safety and reliable logistics across its offshore portfolio.
