Weststar-GAP Aviation LDA, a joint venture between Timor GAP-Timor Gas Petroleo and Weststar Aviation Timor, had signed a landmark $40 million helicopter transportation services contract with Australian energy company Santos Ltd. The agreement was officially signed at Hotel Timor, Dili, with key figures from both companies and government officials from Malaysia and Timor-Leste in attendance.
The contract marks a major advancement in offshore aviation support, specifically for Santos’ operations in the Bayu-Undan region. Under the agreement, Weststar-GAP will deploy two state-of-the-art Leonardo AW189 helicopters dedicated to crew transfers and Medevac standby services, operating between Dili, Timor-Leste, and Darwin, Australia.
Structured as an initial 12-month contract with options for two six-month extensions, this partnership strengthens Weststar-GAP’s broader strategy to enhance offshore aviation services in Timor-Leste and potentially expand into other regional fields like Greater Sunrise, supporting companies such as ENI and Sunda Gas.
Beyond aviation, the collaboration invests in local workforce development by training Timor-Leste pilots, engineers, and operational staff to meet international standards. This initiative highlights Weststar’s commitment to nurturing local talent and driving sustainable economic growth in the region.
Overall, this partnership with Santos Ltd. sets new benchmarks in safety, efficiency, and performance in offshore operations, while reinforcing important energy sector ties between Malaysia, Timor-Leste, and Australia. It marks a significant milestone in Weststar’s mission to deliver world-class aviation solutions in the Asia-Pacific region.