BP resumes crew change flights with Bond Helicopters

Published on Tuesday 12 May 2009 20:12

OIL giant BP will resume offshore crew change flights with aircraft operated by Bond Helicopters next week for the first time since the fatal Super Puma crash in which 16 men died, it was revealed yesterday.

The oil company's decision end its five-week suspension of Bond flights on Monday follows the completion of a review of all aspects of the helicopter company's operations.

The fatal crash on 1 April, 14 miles off the Buchan coast, was the second helicopter accident in the North Sea involving a Bond helicopter this year. In an earlier incident on 18 February an advanced version of the Super Puma crashed in the sea, but all on board were rescued.

Joanne McDonald, a spokeswoman for BP, said: "The review essentially established that Bond have comprehensive systems in place for the management of helicopter maintenance and operations."

A spokesman for Bond Offshore Helicopters said: "The review focused on management systems in four areas – operations, aircraft engineering and maintenance, quality, and safety management system and standards."