SHEPHARD's Rotorhub
Feb-Mar 2015
"AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW?
On a global level, the UK has probably gone furthest towards embracing the commercial SAR concept, with many other countries now looking closely at the mechanics of its contracts. In 2013, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) awarded a £1.6 billion ($2.44 billion) ten year SAR contract to Bristow Helicopters. It will commence in September 2015, with 22 aircraft – 11 AW189s and 11 S-92s – and conditions include 98% availability and response times set at 15 minutes during the day and 45 minutes at night. On 19 January, the UK Ministry of Defence went a step further towards eliminating military involvement in SAR, announcing the award of a ten year £180 million contract for rescue and support services in the Falkland Islands to Illinois-based AAR Airlift Group, working with British International Helicopters (BIH). Two AW189s will provide cover, with a pair of S-61s acting in support."