A Eurocopter AS350 B1 has been added to the increasingly in-demand fleet of Helikopterdrift. The company, which is based at Kjeller Airport near Oslo, Norway, intends to phase out some of its older

helicopters and replace them with the popular AS350s.

Helikopterdrift initially rented the helicopter for several months, before deciding to add it to its full-time fleet, which consists of a Hughes 500, a Bell JetRanger III, six Robinson R-44s, and an AS350 B3, which joined the fleet in April and is based in Narvik.

“We do a lot of photography and air taxi charter flying, which the new helicopter will be used for,” said company manager Geir Thyness. “It’s also ideal for sling-load operations and is used by some road construction companies.”

The company believes that the helicopter is something of a workhorse, with the ability to carry heavy loads with ease.

“It has a lot of space and a strong engine,” said Thyness. “We can put six people in the helicopter and

we still have enough power and all the people are comfortably seated with good views.”

As part of its fleet renewal plan, Helikopterdrift aims to sell its JetRanger and Hughes 500, which it will replace with another AS350.

As for the charter market in Norway, Thyness believes it is wise to maintain diversity in its heli-copter operations.

“We think it’s a good market but it’s not big so we have to be in the right location to ensure customer satisfaction,” he said.

“Maybe in a couple of years, when more people may opt for business charter with helicopters, it could improve.”