Bond Helicopters Ltd (2022)

Established in October 2022, Bond Helicopters is a joint venture between Gama Aviation and Peter Bond to provide transport services to the UK offshore oil and gas industry.

The venture marked the return of the “Bond” name to the offshore aviation sector after nearly a decade and was created to pursue rotary special mission opportunities, particularly in offshore energy (oil, gas, wind) and future decommissioning work. While ownership is evenly split between Gama Aviation and founder Peter Bond, Gama acts as the dominant partner, holding the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and fully consolidating the venture’s financial results. The partnership strategically combines Bond’s extensive offshore experience with Gama’s global infrastructure and financial strength.

A major early milestone came with the award of a five-year, £130 million contract with Perenco, supporting offshore operations in the Southern North Sea from January 2024. This contract effectively launched the operational phase of the joint venture and positioned it as a serious player in the offshore helicopter services market. The venture’s focus on long-term energy sector support, including emerging decommissioning projects, aligns with broader industry shifts in the North Sea.

Operationally, the venture began with a fleet of five leased Leonardo AW139 helicopters based at Norwich Airport. Growth plans are already underway, with Gama Aviation placing additional orders for Leonardo aircraft, including more AW139s to expand offshore capacity. The joint venture agreement also includes future ownership flexibility, allowing Gama to acquire Peter Bond’s stake or for Bond to exit after a defined period, ensuring a clear pathway for long-term strategic control.