Company Leveraging Its Defense Experience And Diversifying Its Airlift Operations

The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence for Search & Rescue (SAR) and Support Helicopter services in the Falkland Islands has awarded a contract to the Airlift division of AAR to provide a combined SAR and Support Helicopter service to the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) operations. The contract, valued at approximately $275 million, will be executed by AAR in conjunction with British International Helicopters (BIH) and Air Rescue Systems (ARS).

The program will include AgustaWestland AW-189 SAR helicopters, Sikorsky S-61 support helicopters, flight operations, maintenance, logistics and facilities support at the Mount Pleasant Complex in the Falkland Islands and surrounding maritime region.

The mission includes all-weather SAR, helicopter emergency medical services, rescue hoist operations, passenger and cargo transfers, and night vision imaging systems. Readiness states vary from 15 minutes to 60 minutes response and require a 24/7/365 alert posture. Performance on the 10-year contract will begin in April 2016.

"This award presents a tremendous opportunity for AAR Airlift's business as part of our strategy to diversify our capabilities and customer base," said Randy J. Martinez, President & CEO, AAR Airlift Group. "We are thrilled that our exemplary record of safety, reliability and operational performance has earned us the confidence of the UK Ministry of Defence to deliver this critical service."

Ian Craddock, Head of Helicopters 2 in the MOD's Defence Equipment and Support department, said: "I have every confidence that AAR Airlift has the capability and experience to provide a search and rescue service that maintains the high standards set by the Royal Air Force, who we must thank for the service they have delivered to date.

"We will work closely with AAR through the period of transition, with the RAF continuing to provide search and rescue cover until the new service starts. I am also pleased that AAR will be sub-contracting British International Helicopters, who is already successfully providing support helicopter services in the Falkland Islands, to support delivery of the combined service."

(Image from file)

FMI: www.aarcorp.com/airlift