The following press release was released by CHC today, following publication of the UK Government press release. However, HeliHub.com was the first aviation press outlet in the world to release this story – five days ago – here.

Nick Mair, regional vice president for Western North Sea at CHC Helicopter, was in London for the contract signing.

He said: “We are pleased to have been successful in securing the southern bases for the Gap Search and Rescue (SAR) contract and look forward to continuing to deliver the high standard of service that we have provided from Portland and Lee-on-Solent since 2007

“Our aircraft are among the most modern in the world, our crews trained to the highest international standards and our goal is constant improvement to services that save lives. While disappointed not to have retained the northern bases, we will focus our efforts on the UK SAR bid which is due out on 13 February 2012.”