DILI, 13 february 2026 (TATOLI) – A delegation from Malaysia’s The Weststar Group met today with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão at the Government Palace in Dili to review its partnership with Timor GAP and discuss expanding cooperation in helicopter operations.
The meeting assessed Weststar’s ongoing helicopter operations supporting the Bayu-Undan oil field and explored prospects for future collaboration in the Greater Sunrise project.
The Weststar Group Chief Executive Officer Syed Azman said the discussion reviewed the operation of two helicopters that have been providing air transport between Dili and Bayu-Undan since last year.
He added that, under the partnership, the company has implemented training and capacity-building programs for young Timorese in the aviation sector.
“We have provided training and capacity-building programs for 36 Timorese, including pilots, engineers and operational personnel. The objective of the partnership is to create a highly skilled and sustainable workforce in Timor-Leste, promoting local expertise and long-term career opportunities,” he said.
Minister of Petroleum and Minerals Francisco Monteiro said that the Government intends to continue discussions with Weststar to consolidate the partnership and anticipate future needs, particularly in light of the potential development of the Greater Sunrise field.
“The dialogue will continue so that we can strengthen this partnership and, at the same time, prepare for the possibility that, in the future, the two companies may collaborate in providing transport services for personnel and materials for the Greater Sunrise project,” he said.
Responding to questions about the decommissioning of Bayu-Undan, Monteiro explained that Santos, as operator, is working with the National Petroleum Authority to define the timetable and phases required to dismantle equipment and components that are no longer needed.
“The process is underway. We expect that, later this year or next, some components that are no longer required for future operations may begin to be dismantled,” he added.
In january last year, Weststar-GAP Aviation Lda, a joint venture between Timor GAP and Weststar Aviation Timor, signed a US$40 million helicopter services contract with Santos. The agreement covers an initial 12-month period, with the option of two additional six-month extensions.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
