Equinor Awards Bristow Helicopter Contract at Bergen Base

This article is based on an official press release from Equinor.

On March 18, 2026, Norwegian state-owned energy company Equinor announced the award of a new helicopters services contract to Bristow Norway AS. According to the official press release, the agreement is valued at approximately NOK 1.1 billion ($114.8 million) and will support offshore transport operations from Bergen Airport, Flesland.

The contract, which commences on May 1, 2026, secures two Sikorsky S-92 helicopters for a firm period of one year, with options for two additional one-year extensions. We note that this award finalizes Equinor’s strategic restructuring of its aviation logistics at its largest helicopter base.

Equinor operates roughly 5,000 helicopter flights annually from Bergen. By transitioning to a multi-operator model, the energy giant aims to ensure robust capacity and operational continuity for its North Sea personnel.

Contract Specifics and Fleet Continuity

Bristow currently operates five helicopters for Equinor out of Bergen under an agreement that expires on April 30, 2026. Under the terms of the newly announced Contracts, two of these existing Sikorsky S-92 helicopters will remain in service. Equinor stated in its release that this carryover will ensure seamless continuity for both personnel and ongoing offshore operations.

“This is an important agreement that strengthens our helicopter capacity. We have already entered into agreements with CHC and Lufttransport in Bergen and this gives us solid capacity at our largest helicopter base,” said Mette Ottøy, Senior Vice President of Joint Operations Support at Equinor, in the company’s press release.

A Diversified Aviation Network

The Bristow award is the final piece of a broader aviation strategy for the Bergen hub. Based on industry research data, Equinor previously awarded contracts worth a combined NOK 4.3 billion ($430 million) to CHC Helikopter Service and Lufttransport RW AS in October 2025.

Starting May 1, 2026, the Bergen base will host a total of seven helicopters across three operators. CHC will provide three Sikorsky S-92s, while Lufttransport will operate two Leonardo AW139s, which are slated to be replaced by factory-new AW189s in 2027.

The Scale of Offshore Logistics

The logistical demands of the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) are immense. Helicopters departing from Flesland serve highly critical North Sea infrastructure, including the Troll, Gullfaks, Statfjord, Oseberg, Martin Linge, and Kvitebjørn/Valemon fields.

Across the entire NCS, industry data shows that Equinor and its operating partners transport approximately 320,000 passengers annually, logging over 24,000 flight hours. In 2025 alone, Equinor recorded 11,465 passenger flights across its various Norwegian bases.

Bristow’s Continued Regional Presence

While Bristow’s footprint in Bergen is reducing from five aircraft to two, the operator remains a critical partner for Equinor elsewhere. In February 2026, Equinor and Vår Energi awarded Bristow a NOK 1.9 billion ($196.4 million) contract for operations out of Hammerfest. That agreement, starting in September 2026, covers two S-92 transport helicopters and one S-92 Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft to support Barents Sea operations.

AirPro News analysis

We view Equinor’s restructuring at the Bergen base as a calculated move to de-risk its supply chain. By shifting from a single-operator dominance, where Bristow previously held the five-helicopter contract, to a diversified portfolio of three operators, Equinor mitigates the risk of fleet-wide groundings or operator-specific disruptions. Furthermore, the integration of Lufttransport’s Leonardo AW139 and upcoming AW189 models introduces necessary fleet modernization, reducing the region’s historical over-reliance on the Sikorsky S-92 airframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new Bristow contract take effect?

The new contract commences on May 1, 2026, immediately following the expiration of Bristow’s previous agreement on April 30, 2026.

How many helicopters will operate out of Equinor’s Bergen base?

As of May 1, 2026, there will be a total of seven helicopters operating from the Bergen base, managed by three different operators: Bristow, CHC Helikopter Service, and Lufttransport RW AS.

What is the financial value of the Bristow contract?

The estimated value of the Bristow contract is approximately NOK 1.1 billion, covering a firm one-year period with options for two additional one-year extensions.

Sources:
Equinor Press Release
Industry Research Data & Contextual Reports