Bel Air Aviation
Danish offshore helicopter operator providing crew transport to oil, gas and wind installations in the North Sea.
Last updated September 26, 2026
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Overview
Bel Air Aviation A/S is a Danish helicopter operator headquartered at Esbjerg Airport, specializing in offshore crew transport for the oil and gas and offshore wind industries. Founded in 1994 by pilot Susanne Hessellund, the company began with a single helicopter offering scenic flights before evolving into a dedicated offshore operator. Today it operates a fleet of Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) AW139 and AW189 helicopters, serving platforms, rigs, ships and wind farms primarily in the North Sea. Bel Air is the only Danish-owned offshore helicopter company as of 2021. It is also an approved Leonardo Service Center for Northern Europe, providing maintenance and training. The company employs around 100 people and owns its home base at Esbjerg Airport, completed in 2014, with additional facilities in Den Helder, Netherlands, since 2017. Bel Air remains privately owned by its founder, Susanne Hessellund, who serves as Managing Director.
History
Bel Air Aviation was founded in 1994 by Susanne Hessellund, a newly certified pilot, who launched the company with a single helicopter offering scenic flights. For the first few years, Susanne piloted the helicopter herself, running the company with her husband while also working for major industry players like Maersk and CHC. In 2002, she left her stable job to co-found DanCopter, a new offshore helicopter company, where she served as co-owner, manager, and pilot until 2007. In 2007, Susanne left DanCopter and sold all her shares, returning her full attention to Bel Air. Since 2007, Bel Air expanded its activities. In 2008, the company obtained EASA Part 145 approval for maintenance and checks on AgustaWestland helicopters. In spring 2009, Bel Air received its first AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter and expanded into the offshore sector. In 2010, Bel Air secured a contract with Maersk Oil and Gas and Allseas from Finland. A third AW139 was received in 2011. In 2012, Bel Air's board decided to focus on twin-engine helicopters and outsourced single-engine helicopters to BackBone Aviation. In 2013, construction began on a new headquarters at Esbjerg Airport, which was completed in spring 2014. On 1 May 2014, Bel Air celebrated its 20th anniversary. In autumn 2014, Bel Air received two AgustaWestland AW189 helicopters, among the first, and celebrated its first flight in November 2014. Six months later, in May 2015, Bel Air became the world fleet leader for the AW189 after surpassing expected flight hours. In 2017, Bel Air established a line station at Den Helder Airport in the Netherlands. In 2018, Bel Air entered a teaming agreement with helicopter giant ERA. In 2019, Bel Air passed 75,000 safe landings and expanded operations with flights to offshore installations in the Black Sea. In 2020, Bel Air offered Medevac flights so offshore workers with COVID-19 symptoms could be flown home under safe conditions. As of 2021, Bel Air is the only Danish-owned offshore helicopter company.
- 2020
Bel Air offers Medevac flights so offshore workers with COVID-19 symptoms can be flown home under safe conditions.
- 2019
Bel Air passes 75,000 safe landings and expands operations with flights to offshore installations in the Black Sea.
- 2018
Bel Air enters teaming agreement with helicopter giant ERA.
- 2017
Bel Air establishes Line station at Den Helder Airport in the Netherlands.
- 2015
Bel Air becomes world fleet leader after flying most hours with AW189.
- 2014
Bel Air receives two AgustaWestland AW189 helicopters; celebrates 20th anniversary on 1 May; new domicile taken into use in spring.
- 2013
On 4 October, construction begins on new headquarters with hangar at Esbjerg Airport.
- 2012
Bel Air's management and board choose to focus on twin-engine helicopters and sell single-engine helicopters to BackBone Aviation.
- 2011
Bel Air takes delivery of third AW139 and performs operations in Danish sector for PA Resources for 6 months; also ad-hoc flights.
- 2010
Offshore shuttle contract for 2.5 years for Maersk Oil and Gas starts in Danish sector; ship operations for Allseas out of Finland with second AW139.
Products and positioning
Specialist offshore helicopter operator with a focus on safety, flexibility and quality service.
Offshore oil and gas transport
Helicopter transport of crew and equipment to oil and gas platforms, rigs, ships and vessels.
Offshore wind support
Experienced pilots and technicians securing smooth and safe offshore wind farm operations.
Maintenance
Certified Leonardo Service Center upholding highest safety standards.
Ad hoc services
Versatile team and crew capable of handling a wide range of flight operations.
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