Bristow Helicopters has ordered two Eurocopter EC 225s, with a scheduled service entry of spring next year. The order for this latest addition to the Super Puma family is valued at approximately E32 million ($40.3 million), and Bristow has options on an additional two aircraft.

Bristow introduced the first Super Pumas to UK offshore operations in 1982, and since then it has become the dominant aircraft in the northern sector of the North Sea. Bristow’s fleet alone has logged more than 800,000 flying hours. CEO Keith Chanter said, “The Super Puma has an excellent safety and reliability record, and acquiring the new aircraft is an important step in the process of renewing our fleet. It also demonstrates our commitment to remaining at the forefront of the industry and to supplying the highest-quality service for our customers. We are pleased to be working with Eurocopter once again on the introduction of a new aircraft into the offshore market.”

Eurocopter said the EC 225 is the most technologically advanced aircraft in its category and has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry. The helicopter has a new five-blade main rotor head and is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 2As.