Offshore helicopter operations are top of the agenda at OEUK’s offshore aviation conference in Aberdeen on May 19. Industry leaders and experts in aviation will convene to address the theme of ‘Enhancing performance and embracing change’.
The event, sponsored by OEG with additional support from Volantes Technical Recruitment Ltd takes place at Union Kirk. This year’s agenda addresses technical performance within flight operations, while also focusing on enhancing maintenance standards, ground operations efficiency, and compliance with current legislation.
To open the conference, Paul Ness, Asset Manager at Ithaca Energy will outline how offshore aviation supports their business while Chris Cooper, Flight Operations Inspector at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will later share insights from incidents in adjacent aviation sectors as the full-day conference draws to a close.
Three main themes guide the programme which encompasses technical performance, maintenance excellence and change in action. These sessions will emphasise the benefits of integrating technological advances and the necessity of adapting to the evolving dynamics of today’s workforce.
The Technical Performance session will feature insights from specialists such as Louise Andrew of the Helideck Certification Agency (HCA), who will discuss CAP 437 9.1, the latest regulatory standard for offshore landing areas issued by the UK CAA.
The Maintenance Excellence session will examine the stringent principles underpinning safe, reliable, and efficient UK offshore helicopter operations. Subject-matter experts, including Matthew Haigh, UK Continuing Airworthiness Manager at Bristow Helicopters, will share insights into good planning aimed at achieving robust regulatory compliance.
A line-up of speakers representing both operators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will discuss key details of the latest industry search and rescue helicopters in the Change in Action session. Topics include an overview of the Leonardo AW189 aircraft’s deployment, and its advanced operational features.
Chair of the event, Graham Skinner, OEUK’s Health and Safety Manager said:
'The UK offshore aviation sector’s safety performance is globally recognised, with industry-driven initiatives leading to significant safety improvements. It has consistently demonstrated adaptability in response to evolving demands, and OEUK’s conference offers an excellent platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and the development of strategies for technical progress in support of oil and gas and wind operations around the country.'
OEG’s Managing Director UKEAC, Clive Hoskisson said:
'Driving performance in offshore aviation is about more than advancing technology or updating regulation – it’s about ensuring our people remain skilled, confident, and prepared to adapt as standards, expectations, and operating environments evolve. The OEUK Offshore Aviation Conference is a vital moment for our industry to come together, share insight, and reinforce a consistent approach to safety, maintenance excellence, and operational readiness.'
To book a place, visit the Offshore Aviation conference webpage here.
The full agenda can be viewed here.
Source: OEUK
