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CHC takes up shop down under
June 29, 2011 By Carey Fredericks
June 29, 2011, Richmond, B.C. - CHC Helicopter have launched operations in Australia by providing helicopter services for Woodside Energy’s Australian operations.
In June, three EC225 aircraft began operations for Woodside based out of Karratha and Broome, with a fourth aircraft starting service in August 2011 out of the third Woodside base, Exmouth.
The Woodside Energy contract, a five-year agreement plus two two-year extensions valued at $500 million, commenced March 2011 with the early introduction of two AW139 aircraft utilizing CHC’s new hanger complex in Karratha.
The Woodside contract is in support of both production and drilling campaigns and over the contract term it is expected the aircraft will be moved to various other bases along the Northwest Shelf of Australia as required.
Rick Burt, managing director for CHC Helicopter’s Australian operations, is proud of the work being done with Woodside. “Woodside continues to play a lead role in developing the North West shelf oil and gas region into one of the premier investment and production areas globally, and we are extremely proud to be chosen to assist their continued development,” Mr. Burt said.
CHC Helicopter recently completed the move of its Australian headquarters to Perth to be closer to customers involved in Australia’s major off-shore oil and gas province.
“We play a significant role in the off-shore oil and gas industry globally and our goal is to increase our presence in one of the industry’s fastest growing regions,” Mr. Burt said.
CHC will be making a total capital investment of approximately $150 million to provide the requisite aircraft, spare parts inventory and base infrastructure. With an estimated value of over $500 million, the contract will run for five years, with up to four years of extension options.
