Bristow, the leading supplier of helicopter services globally, has unveiled plans for a new European headquarters and training academy in Aberdeen, United Kingdom.

The latest development means the company's European Business Unit has invested nearly £180million in the last three years.

The high-specification accommodation at Kirkhill Commercial Park in Dyce includes over 12,000 sq ft of office space, 6,000 sq ft of classroom/training accommodation and 11,500 sq ft capable of housing up to four flight simulators, two of which will be installed during the construction phase.


Artist's rendering of the new European headquarters

Construction is due to start next month and Bristow expects to move into their new HQ by May 2009 .

The first two new training simulators have been purchased for the new complex, while a third existing simulator will remain at the company's current site near Aberdeen Airport.

John Cloggie , Director of European Operations for Bristow Helicopters in Aberdeen, said: “This is a new era for Bristow and again shows our commitment to the North Sea. We are delighted to be delivering a first-class training facility with simulators to support our fleet. We are excited by the prospect of moving into our new headquarters and we will continue to invest to improve our product and service."

Paul Quick, Training and Standards Manager/Head of Training, is delighted with prospect of a new HQ and training academy.

He said: " This investment into our new state-of-the-art training facility, complete with full flight simulators for the EC225 and S92 aircraft, continues our heritage of investment into our own training devices, which began with our Super Puma simulator in Aberdeen in the early 1980s.

"The new training facility also has expansion space for a further two flight simulators to meet our future needs.

"The new academy will enable us to continue our policy of providing the best quality initial and recurrent training and checking programmes to our pilots, thus enhancing flight safety."

The new simulators are equipped with motion base and extensive visual systems together with full replication of the aircraft systems and flight characteristics, enabling full mission training including a comprehensive range of emergency scenarios. The Tiger simulator will remain at the company's current site.

In the past three years Bristow has invested heavily in new helicopters and this latest multi-million project consolidates its position in the market.

Howard Crawshaw, Director for Knight Property Group, said: “This is a specialist commission for Knight Property Group and we are thrilled to be working with industry-leader Bristow on the delivery of this impressive project. This is testament to the diversity of our property portfolio and an example of the crucial role that commercial property developers can play in helping businesses to maximise company expansion in line with their own unique spatial requirements.

"This high-specification build will be a striking addition to this commercial park; it anchors the gateway site to the entire development, which has attracted high levels of interest from a number of businesses.”

Kirkhill Commercial Park is a 14-acre site located in commercial hub of Dyce, Aberdeen. The complete fit-out is being undertaken by Knight Property Group. The joint letting agent was Graham + Sibbald and FG Burnett.