The managing director of a helicopter company which has seen three major incidents since 2009 has stepped down.
Bond announced on their website that Bill Munro is stepping aside and will be replaced by Malcolm Paine.
Richard Mintern has also been made chief executive officer at Bond Aviation Group.
Mr Mintern said: “My first priority will be to work with Malcolm and our existing customers to conduct an extensive review of Bond Offshore Helicopters’ operations and customer service, in order to ensure that we provide the highest levels of service. I look forward to starting this process straight away.”
A spokesperson for the Bond Aviation Group added: “Richard Mintern’s operational and commercial experience in the aviation industry will play an important part in developing our business in the UK, Northern Europe and Australia. Bond Aviation has a great pedigree in the provision of services in emergency services and oil and gas markets.”
Earlier this month, 14 people were rescued after a Bond helicopter ditched in the North Sea around 28 miles from Aberdeen.
Bond suspended all of its flights following the ditching incident but resumed them following a safety inspection of the entire fleet.
An initial Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) examination showed the ditched helicopter's gearbox shaft had cracked.
It also emerged that the same helicopter had an engine malfunction less than a month ago.
It was the third incident involving Bond helicopters in the North Sea over the past three years.
Sixteen people died when a Super Puma plunged into the sea when its gearbox failed while carrying the men to Aberdeen on April 1, 2009, and in February 2009 18 people survived after a helicopter ditched in the North Sea.
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