Aviation safety
We use a variety of aircraft and helicopters, often in challenging conditions. We have defined roles and accountabilities for aviation management and competencies within BP and detailed requirements for technical approval of aviation operators, contracting for aviation services, and the safe management of any aircraft operated on behalf of BP. We update these to meet evolving industry best practices and operating standards.
There have been a number of incidents involving helicopters in the North Sea over the past few years that oil and gas companies, including BP, helicopter suppliers, and regulators have analysed and addressed collectively. Offshore services using certain models of helicopters were suspended until the causes of the incidents were understood. Any lessons learned from industry incidents are implemented with the aim of preventing similar incidents from occurring in future. Normal helicopter services were able to resume in the second half of 2013.
Where industry regulators suspend the use of aircraft we fully comply with and support the decision. We are committed to working with the industry, the aviation community, and the authorities to respond to helicopter safety incidents.