CHC Helicopter Wins Equinor Contract for Bacalhau Field Support

This article is based on an official press release from CHC Helicopter.

CHC Helicopter Secures Equinor Contract for Bacalhau Field Support

CHC do Brazil, a subsidiary of the global offshore aviation provider CHC Helicopter, has officially secured a new contracts with Equinor to provide crew change support for the Bacalhau field. According to the company’s announcement, operations under this agreement commenced at the beginning of February 2026.

The contract tasks CHC with transporting offshore personnel to the ultra-deepwater field located in the Santos Basin. To fulfill the mission requirements, CHC is deploying a Sikorsky S-92A heavy-lift Helicopters from its base at Jacarepaguá Airport in Rio de Janeiro. This award highlights the continued demand for heavy-class aviation assets capable of serving remote offshore energy installations.

Operational Details and Aircraft Capabilities

The Bacalhau field presents significant logistical challenges due to its location approximately 185 km (115 miles) off the coast of Brazil. Operations in this region require aircraft that offer extended range and high payload capacity. The Sikorsky S-92A selected for this contract is an industry standard for such long-range missions, offering the necessary redundancy and cabin size for deepwater crew transfers.

Licia Rocha, Senior Sales Director for Americas and APAC at CHC Helicopter, emphasized the strategic importance of the Brazilian market in a statement regarding the award.

“Supporting offshore operations in Brazil is an important part of CHC’s activities in the Americas. This contract allows us to apply our operational experience, infrastructure and local presence to deliver safe and reliable aviation services.”

, Licia Rocha, CHC Helicopter

CHC has maintained a long-standing presence in Brazil, recently investing in fleet upgrades and local infrastructure at Jacarepaguá to support the resurgence in offshore activity. The company noted that deepwater production remains a critical segment of the energy market in the Americas, driving sustained demand for specialized aviation services.

Strategic Context: The Bacalhau Field

The Bacalhau field is a major asset in Brazil’s pre-salt polygon. Operated by Equinor, the field is situated in ultra-deep waters with depths exceeding 2,000 meters. According to industry data, the field holds recoverable reserves estimated at over 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) and achieved first oil in late 2025.

Equinor appears to be employing a diversified logistics strategy for this massive project. Industry reports indicate that in October 2024, Omni Táxi Aéreo was also contracted to support the Bacalhau field using a mix of heavy and super-medium aircraft. This multi-vendor approach ensures operational redundancy for a field that targets a production capacity of 220,000 barrels per day.

Safety and Performance

Safety remains a primary differentiator in the competitive Brazilian offshore market. CHC do Brazil has recently been recognized for its operational standards, having received the Petrobras PEOTRAM Award for operational excellence in both 2024 and 2025. This award benchmarks suppliers on rigorous safety and efficiency metrics, positioning CHC as a top-tier operator in the region.

AirPro News Analysis

The selection of the S-92A for the Bacalhau contract underscores the enduring relevance of heavy-lift helicopters in the ultra-deepwater sector. While super-medium aircraft like the H175 and AW189 have gained market share due to cost efficiencies, the 185 km distance to Bacalhau pushes the operational envelope where the S-92A’s range and cabin volume remain superior.

Furthermore, Equinor’s decision to split aviation support between major competitors like CHC and Omni reflects a mature procurement strategy designed to mitigate risk. By maintaining contracts with multiple operators, energy majors can insulate themselves from operational disruptions while fostering competition that drives safety and service quality improvements across the local supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the contract begin?
The contract commenced at the start of February 2026.

What aircraft is being used?
CHC is operating a Sikorsky S-92A helicopter for these missions.

Where is the operation based?
Flights depart from CHC’s base at Jacarepaguá Airports in Rio de Janeiro.

How far offshore is the Bacalhau field?
The field is located approximately 185 km off the coast of Brazil in the Santos Basin.

Sources

• CHC Helicopter