Weststar-GAP Aviation LDA, a joint venture between Timor GAP-Timor Gas Petroleo and Weststar Aviation Timor,has signed a significant helicopter contract with Santos Ltd., reinforcing its leading position in regional aviation. The agreement wasformalized at Hotel Timor in Dili, marking an important milestone for offshore aviation in Timor-Leste.
The signing ceremony saw representatives fromboth companies—Syed Muhammad Azni Syed Azman and Vicente da Costa Pinto for Weststar-GAP, and Vince Santostefano and Marcie Evans for Santos Ltd.—come together in a show of strong partnership. Distinguished government officials, including Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry and Timor-Leste’s Ministers of Petroleum and Commerce, witnessed this key event.
This contract is set to enhance offshore aviationsupport and workforce development in the region significantly. It aligns with the growing demands of the energy sector and highlights the strategic importance of reliable aviation services in supporting critical operations.
Operations were scheduled to begin on February 1st, 2025, featuring two advanced Leonardo AW189 helicopters. These aircraft will be dedicated to crew transfers and medical evacuation (Medevac) missions between Dili and Darwin, ensuring safe and efficient transport for offshore personnel.
The partnership exemplifies Weststar-GAP Aviation’s dedication to delivering high-quality, safe, andmission-ready aviation solutions that meet the complex needs of the offshore energy industry. Together with Santos Ltd., it setsa strong foundation for continued growth and operational excellence in the region.