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CHC hosts visit from UK Labour leader

Leading offshore helicopter services provider CHC Helicopter helped showcase the depth and breadth of the North Sea oil and gas industry when Labour leader Ed Miliband toured the company’s Aberdeen heliport facilities.

Mr Miliband joined Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray and local party members Lewis Macdonald, Barney Crockett and Richard Baker during a visit to the city on April 15.

The group toured the CHC terminal, speaking to offshore workers and check-in staff before being given a briefing on the safety procedures undertaken by oil and gas workers prior to boarding.

They were also shown equipment including offshore survival suits and personal locator beacons before moving to the hangar to speak to apprentices and engineering staff about training opportunities at CHC and in the wider industry.

Mr Miliband was taken on board one of CHC’s new technology S92 aircraft, one of a fleet of 17 aircraft housed at the company’s Aberdeen operations.

Duncan Trapp, vice president of safety and quality in CHC’s flying division, said: “The North Sea is a vibrant industry with a significant contribution to make to the UK economy so we were delighted to be asked to provide some insight into the part we play in it.

“As the largest helicopter operator in the North Sea we invest significantly in our apprenticeships and training programmes, ensuring the skills of the next generation of engineers and technicians. This investment in skills was one of the key topics of discussion during the visit.”

CHC is the largest commercial helicopter company in the world, operating over 250 multi-engine aircraft in more than 30 countries. The Dyce-headquartered company employs a workforce of around 460 people in the UK.

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