Bell secured its first purchase agreement for its 525 super-medium twin from Norwegian petroleum refiner Equinor for use in North Sea offshore operations. Equinor ordered 10 of the all-new helicopters with deliveries anticipated to begin in 2026.

The sale marks a significant milestone for Bell, which is hoping the 525 will carve a new niche in the super-medium class that could compete against large helicopters in the oil and gas and other sectors such as corporate, SAR, troop transport, and public safety. The largest civil helicopter that Bell has built, the 525 can fly up to 580 nm, reach a speed of 160 kts, and carry 16 passengers with two crew.

Bell has long eyed the North Sea market for the 525, opening an “experience center” for the model at Stavanger Airport in 2021. “Our relationship with Equinor will enhance the standard of innovation for oil and gas missions and North Sea operations,” said Danny Maldonado, chief commercial officer for Bell. “The Bell 525 technology provides a generational leap forward and will revolutionize offshore oil and gas operations by providing enhanced safety capabilities, reliability, and optimized operations.”

Norwegian Aviation & Defense Group, representing Bell in Norway, supported the sale. “Bell has delivered aircraft and reliable services for more than 30 years to Norwegian operators, both in the government and commercial spheres and will continue to do the same to the Norwegian Continental Shelf and the Energy sector,” said Norwegian Aviation & Defense Group CEO Ole Petter Bakken.

While it awaits certification, Bell is continuing production on the model at its assembly center in Amarillo, Texas, saying it expects offshore-configured 525s to come off the line this year.