HMCG got new techology at the best price.
I think they did better than that.
They got 7 brand new aircraft for a bargain basement price of £100 million for 5 years. Taking into account the 30 pilots, 30 aircrewmen and 30 engineers required and the maintenance plus running costs I'd say that CHC are now very kindly subsidising the UK Coastguard!!! Good for them!
CHC pay the best rates in the business, are constantly undercutting other companies on contracts and seem to slowly buying up every other operator in the world.
The only thing that would concern me about this is are CHC accepting loss leaders elsewhere on other contracts and where, eventually, is the money going to come from to pay for it all? Alternatively they could be the most efficient company in the world!
The other question I would ask is are ‘teething problems’ acceptable on a 24/7 SAR unit based in a remote part of Scotland? Discuss!