Equipped with 1 Auster J/1 Autocrat and 1 Percival Proctor 1, Bond Air Services, named for its founder D. E. Bond, is formed at London (LGW) in June 1946. Summer holiday flights are conducted.
In March 1947, 1 Handley Page Halifax 8 is purchased, followed by a second in May; these 2 ex-RAF bombers are employed to haul fruit to London from towns in Spain, France, and Italy. On May 14, the Proctor is lost in a crash at Tonnere, France while on May 30, a Halifax is destroyed in a Barcelona crash. In July and October, the company receives 2 de Havilland DH 86s and another Halifax.
The produce charters continue in early 1948 as the fleet is upgraded by the addition of another Halifax in March and 5 Handley Page Hal-tons, leased from Freddie Laker’s Aviation Traders. Bond becomes a major civil participant in the Berlin Airlift, beginning on August 4. Twelve company aircraft will eventually be involved over the next year. Meanwhile, between August 31 and October 31, a Halifax is released from the German operation to fly milk from Belfast to Liverpool and Blackpool.
A Halifax 8 is lost in a crash at Tegel Airport (Berlin) on February 15, 1949 while a Halton is destroyed at Schleswigland on April 9. Two Halifax 9s are purchased in June to replace 3 Haltons returned to Aviation Traders. Bond’s participation in the Berlin Airlift ends on August 15; since the previous August, its transports have flown 2,577 sorties.
The general depression in the air cargo field that follows the end of the German success leads Bond to downsize its operation so that by summer 1950, all of the Halifax es are withdrawn, leaving the company to offer DH 86 charters from London (LGW/Rearsby).
Demand for the company’s services continues to fall and by February 1951, Bond is an air taxi operator with aircraft that are too large. Consequently, the 2 DH 86s are sold and replaced by 1 DH 89A Dragon Rapide and 1 Fairchild Argus 3. Flight operations continue through the summer, but cease in late fall.
BOND HELICOPTERS, LTD.: United Kingdom (1984-1999). Management Aviation and North Scottish Helicopters, Ltd. is reformed in April 1984 and renamed; Stephen Bond remains managing director. Previous rotary-wing support services to North Sea oil explorers are continued from the company’s bases at Cambridge and Aberdeen, employing a fleet of 5 Sikorsky S-76s, 6 Aerospatiale AS-332 Super Pumas, 14 Aerospatiale AS-365 Dauphins, 11 Bolkow Bo-105Ds, 4 Hiller 12Es, and 6 Hughes 500Ds. Orders remain outstanding for 4 Super Pumas and 4 Dauphins. Among the larger contracts serviced, with Dauphins, is British Gas’ exploration, production, and development activity on the eastern fringe of Morecambe Bay, on the Irish Sea near Blackpool.
During the spring, the company purchases the North Denes heliport, just north of Great Yarmouth, and the subsidiary, North Denes Aerodrome, Ltd., is established to operate it. Employing S-76s, the company uses the base to fulfill contracts in support of the oil industry in the southern North Sea off East Anglia.
BP Petroleum contracts with the company to operate search and rescue missions on its behalf in the North Sea. In November, a SAR-equipped company SA-365N Dauphin 2 saves six fishermen from a life raft off the Forties Field. By year’s end, support of the Blackpool operation involves two additional Dauphins.
The 4 Super Pumas and 4 Dauphins are delivered in 1985 and, during the first quarter of 1986, the carrier succeeds in underbidding British Airways Helicopters, Ltd. for a ?9-million contract from Total Oil Marine Engineering and Construction, Ltd. Beginning in April, 4 Super Pumas are dedicated to supporting Total’s efforts in the North Alwyn Field off Aberdeen.
Meanwhile, falling oil prices drive down exploration work and, during the summer, the company is forced to lay 17 off from its staff at Aberdeen and another 12 at company headquarters at Cambridge. Managing Director Bond and his finance director prepare a company forecast that shows it going bankrupt the following April.
As of September 1, the company is able to begin flying support missions on behalf of British Gas; SA-365N Dauphin 2s are employed to fulfill the three Rough Field (North Sea) contracts, which are valued at ?17 million. Late in the year, headquarters are transferred up to Aberdeen in order to consolidate control of offshore operations.
Operations continue apace in 1987, with 34 aircraft active in offshore support roles. In April, the company pioneers the concept of helicopter air ambulance operations in the U. K. The initial service, Helimed 1, begins MBB BO-105 flights in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly area. With support from its long-time venture capital backer 3i, Bond is able to get its creditors to repackage the carrier’s debt. Although cash flow dips to a trickle during the summer, Bond is able to scrape through until the oil support business starts to pick up in the fall.
Late in the year, a Dauphin, piloted by Capt. David Kinnell, rescues six fishermen shipwrecked in the North Sea. Kinnell will receive the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air. Turnover for the year totals ?26 million.
During the first quarter of 1988, the company receives a renewed five-year support contract from Conoco. Employing an Aerospatiale AS Dauphin 2, the company flies to the V field from North Denes. In March-April, the BP offshore contract is extended for two years. The Northern Lighthouse Board approves a contract that will have the company’s MBB BO-105s support remote lighthouses on the Scottish coast and Isle of Man through 1991. A five-year contract is received to provide Super Puma service on behalf of Total Oil Marine.
In May, the company purchases a Sikorsky S-76B from KLM He-likopters, B. V., placing it into service in June. Also, a six-month extension of the AS-332L Super Puma contract with Phillips is received.
On June 1, the 17-year link between British International Helicopters, Ltd. and Total Oil Marine Engineering and Construction, Ltd. comes to an end. Total gives Bond a 5-year, ?25-million award to not only support Total’s Alwyn North platform, but the MCP01 pipeline pumping station and its exploration rigs as well. To handle what is thought to be the second largest contract in the U. K.’s North Sea oil business, Bond will continue to commit a minimum of three AS-332L Super Pumas.
The oil rig Ocean Odyssey, 138 nm. E of Aberdeen, takes fire on September 22 following a gas blowout. All but 1 of the 67 men aboard are able to escape by lifeboats to nearby work and supply boats. Military helicopters join a Bell 212 from Helikopter Service, A. S. and Bond’s SA-365N Dauphin in evacuating these survivors to another rig, from which Bond aircraft fly them on to Scotland. At month’s end, the carrier receives a two-year renewal of a Phillips Petroleum contract for the North Sea’s Maureen Field, which it services with a single Super Puma. Income advances to ?32 million.
The company diversifies its operation in January 1989 by creating Bond Holdings and a Heavy-Lift Division. Services will be provided by the company’s 7 Super Pumas. The company’s 6 Allison-powered S-76As are reengined with Turbomeca Arriels during the spring, with another S-76A, equipped with the French engines, purchased. At the same time, the number of MBB BO-105Ds is increased to nine.
Scotland’s first dedicated air ambulance helicopter program begins operations on April 5 as a six-month experimental emergency medical service (EMS) contract with Bond, underwritten by a ?110,000 ($220,000) British Telecom grant, and employing an MBB BO-105 flying from Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital. The Dundee BO-105 is the second Bond helicopter placed on medevac missions in two years. Meanwhile, the West Midlands Ambulance Service is established and planning begins with Bond for creation of an organization that will provide coverage to a five-county area of the central U. K. MBB BO-105s begin flying a pollution control operation in Sullom Voe in the Shetland Islands.
On April 25, a BO-105 experiences engine failure and is forced to ditch in Yell Sound in the Shetlands; both men aboard are rescued by a passing vessel and the helicopter, which remains afloat, is towed to shore for repairs.
The last significant event of the year is the acceptance, in mid-December, of the company’s first Turbomeca Arriel-powered S-76A+. The aircraft represents the fruit of a $6-million arrangement with Sikorsky Aircraft and Turbomeca for the introduction of new type to the North Sea. Plans are made to reengine the company’s 6 other S-76s.
Airline employment stands at 670 in 1990 and a total of 43 aircraft are now active in offshore support roles. Noticing an upturn in North Sea support activity, Managing Director Bond, in January, places an order for up to 12 SA-365 Dauphin 2s. The experimental Dundee medevac service, extended into a 10-month test, ends in February after 412 missions. With renewed funding from various sources, the service becomes permanent.
At the same time, another BO-105 service is begun from Inverness. On May 6, an AS-332L Super Puma is badly damaged in a fire just after its main engine is started at the Aberdeen base. In June, a $35-million order is placed for 7 S-76Cs. The Duke of Edinburgh officially opens the company’s new Aberdeen passenger terminal on December 13. Turnover this year reaches ?50 million.
Employing an MBB BO-105 leased from Bond, the West Midlands Ambulance Service begins operations in May 1991. An ex-Australian MBB BO-105 is leased from Nash Helicopter Associates in June. The following month, the contract to provide Scottish Ambulance Service with an Inverness-based BO-105 is renewed. During the year, 3 AS-332L Super Pumas are leased from Helikopter Service, A. S. and a closer relationship with the Norwegian operator begins to develop.
During the first quarter of 1992, a bid is made to purchase British International Helicopters, Ltd. (BIH), on the market since the death of owner Robert Maxwell the previous fall. In July, a similar bid from Bristow Helicopters, Ltd. is withdrawn as the Bond move is referred to the U. K.’s Monopolies and Mergers Commission. Meanwhile, a fourth air ambulance contract is secured to provide medevac services in the Devon area. In December, the Scottish Ambulance Service awards the company a five-year contract worth ?1.8 million ($2.8 million) per year, to provide helicopter EMS service for all of Scotland. The flights will be coordinated with the fixed-wing air ambulance services that will be operated by Glasgow-based Loganair, Ltd.
In early January 1993, two spray-fitted BO-105s participate in the control of oil pollution from the Liberian supertanker Braer, grounded at the south end of the Shetland Islands. In March, the long-standing Conoco contract is renewed for five more years.
Scotland-wide EMS services commence in April. Employed in conjunction with Loganair, Ltd., the first integrated aeromedical service in the U. K. has one BO-105 based at Inverness for the north, one at Prestwick for the south, and a Eurocopter SA-365C Dauphin at Plockton for the central.
On May 4, Bond purchases Adelaide, South Australia-based Lloyd Helicopters (Pty.), Ltd. The new autonomous company becomes a member of the Bond Group and is allowed to retain its present management. Operations continue apace during the remainder of the year.
On July 1, 1994, the company’s ownership sells the carrier to He-likopter Service, A. S. for $112 million ($75 million in cash and $37 million in stock options). Leaving the carrier’s previous owners Stephen (managing director) and Peter Bond holding a 12% stake, the Norwegian operator takes an immediate 49% interest, which will increase over the next three years to 100% control.
As part of the arrangement, the venture capital group 3i withdraws as do the carrier’s other minority shareholders. The Bond trading name will be retained and the companies, now part of the world’s largest civilian helicopter operation, will refrain from bidding against one another in the North Sea.
At the beginning of July, a review of working practices and manning levels is undertaken with an eye toward restructuring. In mid-July, a meeting of oil-industry officials is hosted at a Rotorcraft conference where Bond executives demonstrate its new AS-332L Helicopter External Liferaft Module (HELM).
Although the accounts of the Bond and HS are consolidated in October, officials of both emphasize that they will continue to operate as independent national entities. A long-term (11-year option) offshore support contract is signed with Hamilton Oil Company, Ltd., also in October.
A new base is established at Liverpool Airport where, beginning in November, an AS-365N Dauphin begins to serve the new $1.5-billion Liverpool Bay development. While en route to Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, on November 11, an S-76 is engaged in a near collision with a RAF Tornado fighter-bomber.
At month’s end, it is announced that the company will reduce its 562-person workforce by 30 engineering and support staff positions.
Income of ?87 million is reported for the year.
On January 19, 1995 a Bristow Helicopters, Ltd. AS-332L.1 is hit by lightning in the North Sea and ditched. Bond, after consultation with the Civil Aviation Agency in March, joins with Bristow, as well as British International Helicopters, Ltd. in a voluntary agreement to prohibit flights in actual lightning conditions. Aircraft will either be diverted around such areas or not allowed to depart.
The company is profiled in the lengthy article “Enterprise in the Skies,” by Anita van de Vliet, which appears in the April issue of Management Today.
During July, plans by Helikopter Services and Bond to establish a holding company, Helikopter Services Group, are delayed. Also during the month, Bond hosts oil industry executives at a Rotortech gathering to show off a number of new technical developments it has been working on, including a Helicopter External Liferaft Module designed for use with Super Pumas.
Two important contracts worth $18 million are received from British Gas on September 1, both of which will be fulfilled with Eurocopter AS-365N Dauphins. The first calls for support for production and drilling activities in the Morecambe Bay area while the second covers the Rough and Amethyst gas fields in the southern sector of the U. K. continental shelf.
At the beginning of 1996, Bond has 5 MBB BO-105s on lease to ambulance authorities throughout the U. K., with 2 others on permanent standby. On February 19, the delayed Helikopter Services Group holding company is formally established as an umbrella organization for itself, its subsidiaries, and Bond. Helikopter Services Chairman Christian Brinch is group chairman, with Bond briefly remaining as CEO of the Bond Group of companies and managing director of Bond Helicopters.
Managing Director Bond stands aside in April from the day-to-day operation of his concern and is succeeded as managing director by operations director Trevor Larman. Bond remains on the board of Helicopter Services Group.
Also during the spring, the company acquires the only short-term oil support contract of Irish Helicopters, Ltd. On July 1, in a move that surprises many, Irish Helicopters also loses to Bond the Irish Department of Marine’s contract for its Irish Marine Emergency Service (IMES) station at Shannon. Bond establishes a new subsidiary, Bond
Helicopters (Ireland), Ltd. to operate the new Ir?14-million contract at the beginning of the following year. The Irish government agrees to provide pilots and winch crew from its Air Corps.
Also on July 1, the company wins away from Bristow Helicopters, Ltd. a three-year contract to provide support flights from Aberdeen to the Gryphon offshore field of Kerr-McGee; Bond places a Super Puma on the route.
On October 22, Trade Secretary Michael Heseltine, acting on the recommendation of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, informs Bond Helicopter executives that it is not in the public interest for Bond to acquire British International Helicopters, Ltd. Both Bond and BIH indicate displeasure and Bond joins Bristow Helicopters, Ltd. as a former suitor.
In December, the company loses the Talisman offshore support contract to provide flight services to the former British Petroleum-owned North Sea fields at Beatrice, Buchan, and Clyde. The bid by British International Helicopters, Ltd. for the two-year deal is lower than Bond’s.
In reaction, Bond, on behalf of Helikopter Services Group, challenges British International Helicopters, Ltd.’s right to a U. K. operating license. The High Court in London grants a judicial review.
The Shannon search and rescue (SAR) mission of Irish Helicopters, Ltd. , out of Cork and Dublin on the east coast and from Shannon on the west coast, is handed over to Bond Helicopters (Ireland), Ltd. on January 1, 1997. In an example of industry consolidation, execution of the contract is arranged by Norway’s Helikopter Service Group employing a Sikorsky S-61N leased from Court Helicopters (Pty.), Ltd. of South Africa, in which Helikopter Service Group owns shareholding.
On January 30, an S-76A+ is leased to Scheiner Aviation Group in the Netherlands for a year.
On March 1, the Bond Helicopters (Ireland), Ltd. S-61N flying from Shannon endures a 5-hour mission some 150 nm. off the nation’s southwest coast to rescue 13 crewmen from a burning British trawler. The lift is made against storm-force winds and 33-ft. seas.
In March, a 7-month, NKr 6-million contract is received from Statoil for offshore support in Ireland’s Connemara oil field. The contract may be renewed thereafter on an annual basis.
As the result of the $35-million renewal contract with the Northern Lighthouse Board signed earlier, the carrier, beginning on April 1, is able to reaffirm for the next three years the use of a Eurocopter BO-105 in support of installations and vessels around the Scottish coast.
Also before the end of the second quarter, a second S-61N is posted to Shannon to assist in Bond Helicopter (Ireland), Ltd.’s SAR work.
On July 1, Bond challenges a 1993 determination by the Civil Aviation Authority that British International Helicopters, Ltd. complies with applicable U. K. and European licensing regulations with respect to ownership nationality.
Following the deaths of 12 people when a Norwegian Super Puma crashes during a routine flight over the North Sea, all 37 British Super Pumas, including the 9 flown by Bond, are grounded indefinitely on September 12. Spokesmen for the three helicopter companies that fly Super Pumas from Aberdeen issue a joint statement that the aircraft will not restart until appropriate safety inspections have taken place. Five days later, the Super Pumas are back in the air.
It is reported in The Irish Times on November 18 that, because of a shortage of Irish Air Corps pilots, the minister of marine is forced to renege on his previous year’s commitment to employ only military crew for extended east coast search and rescue. Bond is asked, via a slight contract revision, to provide two of the seven pilots and one of the eight winch crewmen.
In late December, Bond receives a 5-year, $57 million contract from British Petroleum to provide offshore support from Aberdeen to its Bruce and Foinavon/Schehallion oil fields.
To fulfill its new BP contract, Bond, on January 16, 1998, orders two new AS-355L.2 Super Puma Mk. IIs. It is anticipated that Bond will be the first firm to introduce the Mk.2 to the U. K. Continental Shelf.
In late February, the Bond Helicopters (Ireland), Ltd. Sikorsky S-61N from Shannon develops gearbox problems while engaged in picking up a casualty from a Norwegian fishing vessel off Mayo. In 50-kn. winds and 20-ft. swells, an Irish Air Corps Dauphin comes to the aid of its civilian colleagues, escorting the Bond helicopter into the Blacksod refueling pad and then flying back to assist the sick crewman and the IMES winchman left behind.
To support Total’s oil and gas production and exploration on the U. K. continental shelf, a 3-year, ?18-million contract is signed with Bond on March 2. Two AS-332L Super Pumas will fly supply and personnel transport missions. The deal contains a provision for two further one-year options.
On March 19, the Conoco contract is renewed, although this time it is put on the books as an alliance. Under its terms, the company will continue to provide support in the southern North Sea utilizing two AS-365Ns and, periodically, Sikorsky S-76A+s. The five-year arrangement, effective on April 1, has options on two one-year extensions.
On June 13, the Aberdeen (Scotland) Press and Journal reports that Canadian Helicopter Corporation, Ltd. (CHC) is targeting either Norway’s Helikopter Services, A. S. or one of its subsidiaries (most likely U. K.-based Bond Helicopters, Ltd.) as a possible takeover target.
On June 29, a Sikorsky S-61N is based in Dublin in support of air-sea SAR missions of Bond Helicopters (Ireland), Ltd. on the east coast of Ireland. The new IMES is the last link in the government’s chain of improved air-sea rescue cover and is kicked off by a ceremony at Howth, County Dublin, in which speeches are given and the Sikorsky makes a flyby for those gathered.
The new five-year contract with Bond for coverage of the east coast comes into effect on July 1, two-and-a-half years to the day after the death of a Wexford fisherman, Timmy Currid, that prompted the government to review its rescue cover. At this point, two-thirds of the IMES pilots are retired Irish Air Corps and Royal Navy personnel, and one-third are commercial pilots; half of the helicopter crewmen are former Air Corps.
Three safety problems are alleged during the month by the OILC, an offshore union. On two separate occasions, a loose pylon cover is found and a life raft cover not properly fitted in two Super Pumas. On July 20, an engine goes too fast and automatically shuts itself off during a Super Puma inspection test flight.
During the Tall Ships Race on August 24, nine naval divers are hurt while making a routine air-sea rescue demonstration jump from the Dublin-based Bond Helicopter (Ireland), Ltd. IMES S-61N on the River Liffey at Dublin Port. The men are all rescued by rigid inflatables and hospitalized. Bond quickly files a report of the incident with the marine ministry which, according to The Irish Times on August 25, will be further reviewed by the air accident investigation unit of the Irish department of public enterprise and employment.
The Super Puma Mk.2s arrive in September, allowing service to begin with them in mid-October from Aberdeen to the BP Bruce and Foinavon/Schehallion fields. The aircraft are the first of their kind dedicated for use in the continental shelf of the U. K.
Also during the month, Bond undergoes a safety inspection by the Civil Aviation Authority. The OILC claims that the review, which has taken three weeks, is not routine, but has been triggered by the July Super Puma incidents and a concern that cost cutting has led to maintenance cutbacks. The company denies the union’s charge; the CAA indicates that it carries out inspections on a regular basis and occasionally at random, but will not confirm a visit to Bond.
On October 14, the company acquires the ?35-million contract previously held by its rival, Bristow Helicopters, Ltd., for offshore support work out of Aberdeen on behalf of British Petroleum. The new contract will give BP additional access to Bond’s Super Puma Mk.2s and will operate them to BP’s Atlantic Margin, Bruce, Harding, and Miller fields.
The contract with Phillips and Mobil for helicopter support in the southern North Sea area is renewed for three years and takes effect on December 1. Signed on December 4 and effective January 1 is a seven-year contract with the Scottish Ambulance Service.
The Aberdeen (Scotland) Press and Journal reports on January 12, 1999, that the Canadian Helicopter Corporation, Ltd. has purchased a package of 5.1 million shares in Helikopter Services, A. S. The 25% stake in the Norwegian operator, valued at a “knock-down price” of ?16 million (Nkr 40 per share), is acquired from an institutional investor via the CHC Norweigian subsidiary Vinland Helicopters. The purchase makes CHC the largest shareholder in HAS, as well as its subsidiaries, Bond and Australia’s Lloyd Helicopters (Pty.), Ltd.
Shortly after departure from Conoco’s McCulloch field after a January 21 scheduled freight service, a Super Puma, with 2 crew and 12 passengers and en route to Aberdeen, suffers severe in-flight vibration. The helicopter radios ahead and two lifeboats from Aberdeen and Peterhead are launched as a precaution. The aircraft is able to make a safe landing at Aberdeen Airport, with no injuries reported.
While 30 mi. out from Aberdeen en route to Agip (UK), Ltd.’s Tiffany platform on January 22, another Super Puma, with 2 crew and 14 passengers, is forced to return to its point of origin when a warning light in the cockpit begins to flash. A replacement helicopter is immediately available and the crew and passengers depart and complete their flight, slightly delayed.
An additional 5% stake in Helikopter Services Group is acquired on March 24, together with controlling interest. Interviewed by the Press and Journal, Helikopter Services Group Chairman Reidar Lund indicates that the action is regarded as an “unfriendly takeover” attempt. Canadian Helicopter Corporation’s chief financial officer, Jo Mark Zurel, discourages “takeover speculation” and claims the share purchase is a moneymaking exercise.
The Norway Post reports on March 30 that Bond has extended its contract with British Petroleum for an offshore-based helicopter in the Forties field in the U. K. North Sea for another year, with options on two more. The contract is valued at NKr 12-13 million.
On April 14, Reuters, Ltd. publishes news that the Canadian Helicopter Corporation, Ltd. will bid 45 crowns per share for the remaining shares in Helikopter Services Group and that the official offer will be released within a week, again through its Norwegian subsidiary, Vinland Helicopters. After a preliminary discussion, the Norwegian operator indicates that the offer, compared to booked capital, is too low.
Canadian Helicopter counters on April 26 with an offer, via Vinland, of NKr 45 per share for the remaining shares. The purchase would be subject to successful completion of a due diligence review and government approvals. A statement from Canadian Helicopter also indicates that the offer is conditional upon Vinland gaining a minimum of 90% of Helikopter Services Group stock.
Rebuffed, Canadian Helicopter will raise its offer to NKr 60 per share by early June.
On May 5, a 5-year, $39.2-million contract is signed with Mobil North Sea, Ltd. for helicopter support to the energy provider’s offshore activities on the U. K. continental shelf. With an option to extend the agreement for five years upon its conclusion, the new pact will take effect on August 1.
Canadian Helicopter obtains 90.2% of the shares in Helikopter Services Group on June 25. The takeover brings concern to workers at Bond that many may lose their jobs if the new owners elect to merge their concern with British International Helicopters, Ltd., which Canadian Helicopters already owns.
Acting through Vinland Helicopters, Canadian Helicopter Corporation, Ltd. is able to announce on August 2 that all of the remaining conditions to its offer to purchase all shares in Helikopter Services Group, A. S. (HSG) have been satisfied or waived and that the acquisition is completed. In a move that foreshadows a corporation-wide integration a year later, Bond, the HSG U. K. subsidiary also acquired, is now renamed CHC Scotia, Ltd.
World History
