Whilst the robust S-92 remains the backbone of the heavy global offshore oil and gas helicopter fleet with 193 aircraft configured for this role, ‘super-medium’ helicopters are now gaining some good momentum and market share. The top 3 international players Bristow, CHC, and PHI still lead the way in the S-92 offshore crew change market with fleets of 43, 39, and 32 aircraft, respectively. The S-92 has a proven track record, having logged over 2.3 million flight hours, and the first units are now 20 years old. Heavy types such as the S-92 are still necessary and required for longer-range missions outside the super-medium ‘sweet spot’. 

The increase in heavy helicopter demand that has come with the current oil and gas upcycle is not evenly spread between regions. There has been a notable reduction in the number of heavy crew-change rotorcraft operating from the UK. In 2022, a net five S-92s left the UK fleet, with an additional six departing in 2023, relocating to countries like Norway, Australia, Brazil, and the Falklands. Conversely, only three new S-92 units were delivered in 2023, all to Korea for Search and Rescue (SAR) and emergency medical services (EMS) operations. 

Norway’s offshore sector is thriving due to post-pandemic fiscal incentives that contrast with new taxes elsewhere. This has led operators to explore super-medium options like the AW189 to reduce reliance on a single type (the S-92) for crew transfers. Super-medium helicopters like the H175 and AW189 are gaining market share, particularly in missions not requiring full 19-seat capacity.  

The AW189 currently has a more modest presence with 45 aircraft configured for oil and gas operations worldwide. Its primary utilisation is in regions such as the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, the Middle East, Russia, and Africa. Despite limited deployment to-date in the North Sea, we note positive newsflow over the last year including orders by Equinor and Var Energi, a new contract for the AW189 in the UK with Harbour Energy, operated by Bristow and the deployment of the type in Denmark with French super-major TotalEnergies, operated by Bel Air. 

The H175 is also gaining traction with 46 units dedicated to oil and gas configurations globally. Despite initial service entry challenges the type has now matured well and Airbus has a strong order book for the type and spoke recently of “quadrupling” production capacity to 15-20 units annually. The anticipated FIPS option for the H175, expected by 2025 or 2026, is also likely to enhance its appeal for North Sea operators. 

We will monitor activity in this critical market with continuing interest. If you have any questions or queries on this article or would like bespoke work around the topic generally, please do not hesitate to get in touch.