Work has begun on a £4m redevelopment of a helicopter terminal and hanger in Aberdeen, despite a decline in traffic.

CHC, a leading provider in the oil and gas industry, are hoping the £4,328,700 project will boost demand for helicopter services in the offshore renewables sector.

In 2017, helicopter passenger numbers at the city's airport remained down with most recent figures showing a 11.6% drop compared to December 2016.

Work on the major terminal, operations centre and hanger redevelopment started on Thursday.

The terminal will offer additional passenger lounges and a modern, comfortable environment with new seating and facilities.

The company has also recently taken delivery of two new H175 helicopters which it has added to its North Sea fleet and has designated its Aberdeen base as its centre of excellence for H175 engineering.

CHC regional director Mark Abbey said: "The redevelopment will offer an outstanding experience for our passengers and a new, modern working environment for our staff including a best in class-leading operations centre which, thanks to the very latest aviation technology, will support continued customer service and efficiencies.

"The oil and gas industry is beginning to show real signs of recovery after a tough few years and we also see increasing demand for helicopter services in the offshore renewables sector.

"We believe it is right to invest our future now."

Phase one of the redevelopment is expected to be complete by June with project expected to be complete by November 2018.