AAR’s Airlift division was awarded a $275 million 10-year contract by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MOD) for Search & Rescue (SAR) and Support Helicopter services in the Falkland Islands, the company said on Jan. 19.
AAR Airlift is to work with British International Helicopters (BIH) and Air Rescue Systems (ARS) to provide these services to the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) operations.
The program will include AgustaWestland AW-189 SAR helicopters, Sikorsky S-61 support helicopters, flight operations, maintenance, logistics, and facilities support at the Falklands Islands Mount Pleasant Complex.
The contract’s mission includes all-weather SAR, helicopter emergency medical services, rescue hoist operations, passenger and cargo transfers, and night vision imaging systems. There will be readiness states from 15-60 minutes response and require 24/7/265 alert posture.
“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,” Randy J. Martinez, President & CEO of AAR Airlift Group, said in a statement.
“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,” Ian Craddock, Head of Helicopters 2 in the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support department, said.
“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.”
Sir Peter Rigby, Chairman & Founder of BIH owners Rigby Group PLC added that “We are delighted to be working with AAR, a first class aviation services company with a commitment to excellence, best practice, and delivery that closely matches our own.”
AAR Airlift provides expeditionary airlift services in support of contingency operations worldwide, the company explained. This includes passenger and cargo transport, aeromedical services, night vision operations, search and rescue (SAR), airdrop and other special mission services.
The contract work is to begin on April 1, 2016.