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Written question asked by Alex Cunningham (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 November 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 26 November 2021. It was answered by Robert Courts (Conservative) on Monday, 29 November 2021 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Babcock International: CHC Helicopter

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment the Civil Aviation Authority has made of the impact of CHC’s takeover of Babcock International’s offshore oil and gas crew transportation services on (a) passenger safety and (b) commercial pressure on offshore helicopter transport services.

Answer

Offshore helicopter services provide a vital link to ensure the viability of the United Kingdom’s oil and gas industry and high standards of air safety are of fundamental importance.

As the United Kingdom’s aviation safety regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) concern is whether the commercial environment has any impact on safety. The CAA monitors all aspects of the operations of offshore helicopter companies and any risks to safe operation through its safety oversight programme.

As with any significant organisational change, the CAA will oversee how the change is managed and how any potential safety risks are assessed so that safety is maintained.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), as the UK’s independent competition regulator, is reviewing this transaction. After conducting an initial review, on the 18 November the CMA announced its intention to progress to a more in-depth Phase 2 review unless the parties can offer acceptable undertakings to address the CMA’s concerns.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
80986
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Helicopters Offshore industry Takeovers Babcock International CHC Helicopter
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk