Weststar-GAP Aviation LDA, a joint venture between Timor GAP-Timor Gas Petroleo, E.P., and Weststar Aviation Timor, Unipessoal, LDA, has signed a US$40 million helicopter transportation services contract with Santos NA (19-12) Pty. Ltd., a leading Australian energy company.
This agreement, announced during a ceremony at Hotel Timor in Dili, marks a significant milestone in offshore aviation services in Timor-Leste and is set to commence on February 1, 2025.
The contract will support Santos’ offshore operations in the Bayu-Undan region for an initial 12-month period, with options for two six-month extensions.
Weststar-GAP will deploy two Leonardo AW189 helicopters for crew change and Medevac standby services operating between Dili, Timor-Leste, and Darwin, Australia.
These aircraft will be registered under Malaysia’s Civil Aviation Authority regulations, showcasing regional aviation collaboration.
This partnership aligns with Weststar-GAP’s broader strategy to expand its offshore aviation services into the Greater Sunrise field to support other energy companies like ENI and Sunda Gas.
The joint venture estimates its project pipeline could exceed US$400 million over the next decade, reinforcing its position as a key player in Timor-Leste’s growing energy sector.
Weststar-GAP has pledged to invest in training programs for Timorese pilots, engineers, and operational staff to meet international aviation standards such as IOGP 690.
This initiative aims to build a self-sustaining aviation workforce in Timor-Leste while fostering long-term career opportunities within the industry.
The signing ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry YB Senator Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; Timor-Leste’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources H.E. Francisco da Costa Monteiro; and other senior officials.
Representatives from Santos included Vince Santostefano, Executive Vice President for Western Australia, Northern Australia, and Timor-Leste, and Marcie Evans, Vice President of Upstream Gas and Liquids.
Tan Sri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, Group Managing Director of The Weststar Group, described the contract as a “landmark achievement,” emphasising the trust placed in Weststar-GAP by industry leaders like Santos.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to operational excellence and safety while highlighting its focus on empowering local talent through skill enhancement initiatives.
This agreement underscores the strategic partnership between Malaysia, Timor-Leste, and Australia while contributing to economic development in the region.
By leveraging its expertise in offshore aviation, Weststar-GAP aims to drive innovation and enhance operational safety across the energy sector.
As operations begin under this prestigious contract, Weststar-GAP solidifies its role as a cornerstone of Timor-Leste’s aviation industry and a catalyst for advancing regional energy infrastructure.
