Gloucestershire-based Bond Air Services has carried out its maiden flight in support of Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm, making it the first helicopter operation of its kind in the UK.

Located 25km off the Suffolk coast and with 140 turbines, Greater Gabbard is currently the world's largest offshore wind farm.

Bond will provide helicopter services to deliver maintenance technicians by hoist to the turbines of the wind farm. The company anticipates that wind farm operators and turbine manufacturers making the similar choice of including helicopters in their operations and maintenance strategy will benefit from increased productivity.

Stephen Rose, offshore wind generation manager at Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds Limited, says: "Safety is our number one priority at all times, and using helicopters means we can get greater access to the turbines in conditions which would be impossible by boat."

The service operates daily from a purpose-built facility at Lowestoft Port using a Eurocopter EC135T2i.

Additionally, Bond has signed a £26 million seven-year contract with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) to continue provision of air ambulance service cover across six counties in the West Midlands.

Bond will support the contract for three Eurocopter EC135T2i helicopters on a 365 days a year basis, including back-up support to ensure service availability.

To allow full night HEMS operations, MAAC intends to upgrade one of the aircraft to a night vision-equipped EC135T2e aircraft. Chief executive Hanna Sebright says: "We are extremely pleased with the decision to continue our long-standing relationship with Bond Air Services and look forward to the introduction of our new aircraft. The night flying capability of this aircraft is particularly exciting, allowing us to extend the service we offer." Parent company Bond Aviation Group has taken delivery of the first of 16 S-92 baseline helicopters from Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. Sikorsky is to customise the helicopters for offshore oil operations.

"Our group is committed to safety as the utmost priority for our customers, and the S-92 helicopter represents the latest technology in terms of design and safety," says ceo Richard Mintern. "This, combined with its payload, speed and range capabilities, makes the S-92 an ideal choice for Bond and for our customers. These first two aircraft will be operated by our new business in Norway, Norsk Helikopterservice."

The S-92 helicopter is one of the largest in its heavy offshore class, easily carrying 19 passengers and luggage. Since entering service in September 2004, the S-92 fleet has grown to more than 150 aircraft.

The parent company of Bond Aviation Group has been established under the new name Avincis Mission Critical Services. Unveiling the brand from its London headquarters, the company will manage operators Inaer, Bond, Australian Helicopters and Norsk Helikopterservice.