BOND Aviation Group, the UK's fastest growing privately owned helicopter service provider, has unveiled a new £1 million Design and Completions Department at its headquarters at Gloucestershire Airport, Staverton.

It will create ten new jobs. The new department will provide design, installation and modifications services to the helicopter and fixed-wing industry worldwide, as well as supporting the Bond Aviation Group's own fleet of 40 helicopters.

The Bond Aviation Group service a number of key sectors including police and air ambulance services, marine and lighthouse operations, offshore oil and gas support and most recently in the support of offshore wind farms in the renewable industry.

Jeremy Liber, director of design and completions said: "Each of the roles can require specialised modifications and equipment fits, which we are now pleased to be able to provide in-house.

"The Design and Completions Department will present a much greater degree of control over the way in which we manage, maintain and modify our aircraft, which in turn will improve the already high level of service that we deliver to our customers.

"The development also forms an integral part of our growth strategy and will open up new business opportunities with other helicopter and fixed-wing operators who require a design, install or modification services."

As part of the investment, Bond have developed its headquarters to include a custom built facility that includes a composite and sheet metal workshop, a low bake paint bay, design suites with 2D and 3D CAD software, a cable looming area, together with component production and installation facilities.

The Design and Completions Department has received full European Aviation Safety Agency design and production approval.

Bond Aviation Group has seen its profits soar by 90 per cent a year from £2.3 million in 2006 to £15.6m in 2009.

Bond is privately owned by Stephen and Peter Bond and has two main operations – Bond Offshore Helicopters and Bond Air Services.

Between them they transport personnel and equipment for the offshore gas, oil and renewable energy industries and provide air support for the emergency services, including air ambulance services and trusts and the police, as well as dedicated search and rescue missions.
Bond Aviation Group has a fleet of 39 helicopters and flies workers to offshore drilling rigs for companies such as BP, Conoco Phillips and Maersk.

It employs 339 staff and, earlier this year, the company won a £6m deal to provide twin-engined helicopter services to the gas fields off the south coast of Ireland.