MARIGNANE, France - Eurocopter yesterday delivered two EC225 helicopters to Waypoint Leasing, an Irish helicopter leasing company. Waypoint signed an agreement to provide the helicopters to Avincis Group’s subsidiary, Bond Helicopters Australia, for offshore crew change missions.

The helicopters will operate in Australia, by Bond Helicopters covering a five year contract with the PTTEP Australasia Group of Companies, part of Thailand’s national petroleum exploration and production company.

Dominique Maudet, Eurocopter’s executive vice president of global business and services, said: “These deliveries open the way for a long and fruitful relationship with Waypoint, while also underscoring confidence in the EC225 for oil and gas operations.” 

Earlier this year, Eurocopter and Waypoint Leasing entered into a marketing partnership for helicopter leasing, includes the full capabilities of Eurocopter’s parts-by-the-hour (PBH) support services.

Ed Washecka, chief executive officer of Waypoint Leasing added: “We are pleased to receive delivery of the EC225s, the first Eurocopter aircraft in our growing fleet, and to partner with Bond Helicopters Australia, a premier provider of energy support services to one of the fastest growing offshore oil and gas markets in the world.

“Waypoint’s principals have worked with Eurocopter as well as Bond and other Avincis companies for many years, and we appreciate their ongoing support. This agreement exemplifies our approach to building lasting relationships with our partners.”

The Eurocopter EC225 is a 11-ton weight category rotorcraft helicopter used mainly for oil and gas operators. 

More than 80 EC225s operate for the oil and gas sector in about  12 countries with over 300,000 flight hours logged globally.