A New Era of Offshore Helicopter Transport
Norway’s energy giant, Vår Energi, is taking its offshore operations to the next level with a groundbreaking deal that promises to revolutionize helicopter transport on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). The company has tapped compatriot aviation specialist Lufttransport RW to operate two cutting-edge Leonardo AW189 helicopters, marking a significant upgrade in offshore passenger transport.
These state-of-the-art aircraft, set to arrive in Norway by summer 2026, are part of a new generation of helicopters designed to meet the demanding needs of the global offshore industry. With their advanced technology and enhanced safety features, the AW189s will shuttle passengers from Sola and Florø airports to offshore assets, ensuring smoother, safer, and more efficient operations.
Safety Meets Innovation
For Vår Energi, safety and reliability are non-negotiable. Torger Rød, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the importance of this move: “Ensuring safe and predictable transportation offshore is a priority—and indeed a prerequisite for our growth ambitions. By introducing the Leonardo AW189 to the shelf, we’re making our helicopter traffic more resilient and reducing reliance on a single helicopter model.”
This strategic shift not only diversifies Vår Energi’s fleet but also future-proofs its operations. Lufttransport RW, with its deep expertise in Norwegian conditions and Leonardo helicopters, is the perfect partner for this ambitious project. The contract, which could span up to 12 years, underscores the long-term commitment to innovation and safety.
A Trio of Partnerships
Vår Energi’s vision extends beyond just Lufttransport RW. The company has also inked a 12-year agreement with Milestone Aviation Group, a global leader in helicopter leasing. Milestone will take ownership of the AW189s once they’re delivered by Leonardo, ensuring a seamless transition into service.
Eva Fagernes, Vice President of Supply Chain Management at Vår Energi, highlighted the benefits of this multi-pronged approach: “The contract with Lufttransport RW gives us a third option for shuttle services, ensuring high-quality technical solutions, increased robustness, and agility in our offshore operations.”
This move mirrors a similar deal by Equinor, another Norwegian energy heavyweight, which partnered with Lufttransport and Milestone earlier this year for five helicopters. Clearly, the industry is betting big on next-gen aviation to meet the challenges of offshore energy production.
A Year of Growth and Innovation
While aviation is a key focus, Vår Energi’s ambitions don’t stop there. The company is gearing up to launch four major projects this year, aiming to boost its production to over 400,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (kboepd). This dual focus on innovation and expansion positions Vår Energi as a leader in the evolving energy landscape.
As the world watches Norway’s energy sector soar to new heights, Vår Energi’s latest move is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking strategy.
