Bond to resume for BP after crash

A total of 16 men died when the Super Puma crashed in the North Sea

Bond Offshore Helicopters will resume crew change flights for BP from Monday in the wake of the North Sea helicopter disaster, it has been announced.

It follows BP's completion of a detailed review of Bond's management systems.

The review was implemented after two helicopter incidents in February and April this year.

The second resulted in the loss of all 16 men on board, whereas all 18 on board survived the first ditching.

The review did not look at the causes of the incidents which are being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Bond Offshore Helicopters' managing director Bill Munro said: "We worked closely with BP in the review process and in identifying procedural improvements.

"The positive outcome reflects our robust management systems and continuing commitment to the highest standards in operational safely. The agreed improvements will contribute to this.

"We are mindful of the circumstances of the incidents and believe that the review findings, along with the enhanced inspection and modification measures required by the authorities for Super Puma helicopters and implemented by the industry, provide further reassurance on safety."