Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of trends in commercial pressures on helicopter companies which are privately contracted to transport offshore oil and gas workers in the North Sea; and if he will make a statement.

Offshore helicopter services provide a vital link to ensure the viability of the UK’s oil and gas industry. High standards of air safety are a fundamental concern in ensuring these services are commercially viable. Through the Aviation Strategy, the Government will look at its role in supporting the commercial success of operators whilst balancing this against environmental and safety concerns.

As the UK’s aviation safety regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) concern is whether the commercial environment has any impact on safety. The CAA monitors all aspects of the operations of offshore helicopter companies and any risks to safe operation through its safety oversight programme.

The CAA has announced a series of measures to increase the safety of offshore helicopter flights and continues to work with the helicopter operators, the offshore industries, international regulators, unions and pilot representatives to enhance offshore safety standards still further.