I am a bit confused. The first post and the Bond press release are saying exactly different things. It is no surprise that Bond are not operating MD902s.
Then I went to SAS's website:
Quote:
Specialist Aviation Goes Offshore
UK based operator and support organisation Specialist Aviation Services has announced the award of its new multi-year lighthouse maintenance contract with Trinity House.
Subsidiary Police Aviation Services will put a new specially equipped MD Explorer into service at the end of next year to transport technicians & equipment in support of the remote lighthouses around the English and Welsh coasts.
“We are looking to use the Explorer to exploit greater efficiencies within our lighthouse maintenance operations” says Commodore Jim Scorer, Trinity House Director of Operations.
The MD Explorer, which will replace the Bo 105’s used for over 30 years, was chosen for its load-lifting capability and the added safety of its unique NOTAR® anti-torque system which dispenses with the need for the usual tail rotor.
“This is great news for the Group as it opens up a whole range of new opportunities in the offshore industry”, explains Nigel Lemon, Sales Director for Specialist Aviation Services. “We are very much looking forward to working with Trinity House and adding this to our portfolio of Air Ambulance and Police contracts.”
End quote
So the Trinity House thing seems correct.
I would not be surprised if Bond lose the Essex contract idc, but I believe it is not up for renewal for a while.
Not only is the MD 902 a good HEMS machine. More importantly, those who influence the hire of the Essex aircraft think this. There is a bit of a SE England HEMS mafia these days.
Last edited by Helinut; 24th Sep 2009 at 17:49.
Reason: [Did a bit of web searching]