CHC Denmark has put the first of a planned three Sikorsky S-92 helicopters into service on the west coast of Denmark, operating from a base in Esbjerg for Maersk Oil and Gas.

Two more S-92s are scheduled to enter service during the second half of 2007. Maersk recently renewed its contract with CHC Denmark for five years, incorporating the S-92 into its plan as a replacement for a fleet of Eurocopter Super Pumas.

CHC is one of the largest operators of the S-92, but this delivery marks the first flight of an S-92 in Denmark. It comes 42 years after the delivery of the SAR S-61 helicopter, which is still operated by the Danish air force.

Sikorsky's chief marketing officer, Stephen Estill, describes the S-92 as "extremely popular" with offshore operators and search-and-rescue.

Source: Flight International