KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia-owned Weststar Group’s joint venture Weststar-GAP Aviation has signed a helicopter transportation services contract worth US$40 million with Australian oil and gas (O&G) company Santos Ltd.
Weststar-GAP is a joint venture between Timor GAP-Timor Gas Petroleo and Weststar Aviation Timor.
Operations under the contract are set to commence on Feb 1.
The contract, structured for an initial 12-month period with options for two six-month extensions, will provide helicopter transportation services supporting Santos’ offshore operations in the Bayu-Undan region.
In a statement, Weststar-GAP said the the agreement marks a critical milestone in broader strategy to enhance offshore aviation services in Timor-Leste, with prospective growth into the Greater Sunrise field to support Italian multinational O&G firm ENI and Sunda Gas.
The total potential value of Weststar-GAP’s projected project pipeline over the next 10 years is estimated to exceed US$400 million, demonstrating the substantial long-term opportunities arising from this collaboration.
“To fulfill this contract, Weststar-GAP will deploy two Leonardo AW189 helicopters that will be dedicated to crew change and Medevac standby services, operating between Dili, Timor-Leste and Darwin, Australia, under the Malaysian (9M) aircraft registration, fully compliant with Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) regulations.
“This initiative not only underscores Malaysia’s aviation excellence on the global stage but also strengthens regional aviation cooperation,” it said.
Weststar-GAP is committed to developing Timor-Leste’s aviation talent by investing in training programs for local pilots, engineers, and staff, ensuring they meet global standards like IOGP 690.
This initiative aims to build a skilled, self-sustaining workforce and create long-term career opportunities in the industry.
Weststar Group managing director Tan Sri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim said the contract reinforces the strength the partnership with Timor GAP and demonstrating the trust placed in them by industry leaders like Santos.
“Our ability to deliver world-class aviation solutions tailored to the unique needs of the oil and gas sector is a testament to our operational excellence and dedication to safety.
“Through comprehensive training programs and skill enhancement initiatives, we aim to empower local talent and contribute to the country’s aviation self-sufficiency,” he added.
Investment, Trade and Industry MInister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the Weststar GAP-Santos partnership is a testament to the strong potential for enhanced trade and business ties between Malaysia, Timor-Leste and Australia.
“This partnership stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when two nations work together towards shared goals,” he said in his speech during the signing ceremony in Timor-Leste today.
“This venture also highlights specific Malaysian companies’ increasing role in the global marketplace, a testament to the Malaysian government’s pro-industry, pro-business and pro-investment stance,” he added.