Danish operator Uni-Fly, which plans to increase its fleet to five helicopters in 2009, believes that it could the holder of a world record. It has recorded 215 hoist cycles in six hours and six minutes on one day.

"I think it is certainly a world record where offshore wind turbines are concerned," says Capt. Niels Peter Kjeldahl who flew the missions with hoist operator Claus Dahl Joergensen.

He adds: "The exceptional number of hoists was completed during the 2007 yearly inspection of wind turbines. Combined with the normal transfer of technicians, more than 55 of the 80 wind turbines were visited in just one day."

Since 2002 Uni-Fly has used its EC135 T2 to transport maintenance technicians and tools to the North Sea wind turbines. But during a normal working day, the number of missions is usually around 35. Capt. Kjeldahl says there are plans to add another EC135 to its fleet of four which includes two EC120s.