Originally Posted by
rrekn
..Are they bringing in new machines like the for the Navy contract?
I don't know if they're bringing in a new machine for this contract. It's only for one helicopter. Esso were self-sufficient for their own SAR requirements in Bass Strait for 50 years. However since they recently replaced six S76's with four new AW139's they can no longer cover their own SAR. Hence why CHC are picking up the slack for them. I don't know why Esso just don't go and buy another AW139. The monthly standing charge on a contractor supplied SAR capability will be costing them plenty. Anyway, the cost is just barrels of oil.