New invitation to tender for the Værøy-Bodø helicopter route

“Communication between the mainland and the island by air is important for the community of Værøy. We will therefore continue the current transport standard and maintain a good helicopter service to the island,” says Minister of Transport and Communications, Marit Arnstad.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications has  issued an invitation for tenders for a scheduled helicopter service between Værøy and Bodø for the period 1 August 2014 to 31 July 2019. The tender competition covers the European Economic Area (EEA) and helicopter companies from all EEA countries are invited to tender.

The current transport standard shall be maintained with two daily departures both ways Monday to Friday, and one on Saturdays and Sundays, both ways. The total minimum capacity is 180 seats per week.

The deadline for submitting tenders is 12 noon on 5 November 2013. Tenders will be opened on 8 November.

Background
The state currently ensures aviation/flight services in Norway by giving government grants to aviation/flight services on routes that because of market conditions are not commercially viable. The subsidy is given after the tender competition is concluded pursuant to current EEA regulations.

For more information, see the tender announcement: Norwegian – English.