AAR Leveraging Its Defense Experience And Diversifying Its Airlift Operations

The UK MOD has awarded a contract for Search & Rescue (SAR) and Support Helicopter services in the Falkland Islands to AAR Airlift. The 10-year contract is valued at about $275 million.

AAR Airlift, together with British International Helicopters (BIH) and Air Rescue Systems (ARS), will provide a combined SAR and Support Helicopter service to the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) operations. The program will include AgustaWestland AW189 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 15-60 minutes response and require a 24/7/365 alert posture. Performance on the 10-year contract began on Apirl 1, 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.

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 subcontracting British International Helicopters, who is already successfully providing support helicopter services in the Falkland Islands, to support delivery of the combined service.”

(Image provided with BIH news release)

FMI: www.aarcorp.com