Utility surveillance specialist Helicentre Aviation Ltd. confirmed today that it has become the first UK helicopter operator to achieve the prestigious ‘CEMARS’ award. Certification, which is based on compliance with the world class ISO 14069, was carried out by Achilles using their Carbon Reduction programme.

Captain Sarah Bowen, the company’s Managing Director, commented “We are delighted to be the first in the UK industry to have achieved the CEMARS award. It reinforces our commitment to protecting the environment by managing and reducing our greenhouse emissions whilst also delivering a quality service to our clients”. Senior management within Helicentre Aviation Ltd. took the first steps in measurement of carbon output in early 2011 when industry reports suggested that the future requirements for carbon measuring would soon be filtered down to medium and small operators. Since these requirements were already in place for a vast majority of the company’s clients, it was a natural progression to work towards CEMARS accreditation.

An interim trial revealed that through careful financial and operational analysis the true costing for fuel burn on a ‘per aircraft’ basis could be monitored effectively. The introduction of the carbon reduction scheme has demonstrated huge benefits both financially and from a safety and environmental perspective.

The carbon reduction scheme was specifically designed by the company’s Safety Team, led by Safety Manager Captain Steve O’Brien in conjunction with Achilles. The scheme has formed an integral part of the company’s Safety Management System. “The measurement element of the scheme allows us to report individually to our clients, an independently verified annual carbon emission” Captain O’Brien remarked. “We achieved CEMARS based on our operational carbon footprint for the year 2011-2012 and our key target over the coming years is a 5% increase in fuel efficiency. This will not only help us manage our impact on the environment but will also lead to cost savings for our clients.”

Established in 2001, Helicentre Aviation Ltd. has trained and supplied a significant number of helicopter pilots to the industry and their mission statement advocates creating opportunities for new pilots by helping them achieve their first break in the training and charter industry. Helicentre Aviation’s key personnel have over 100 years combined professional expertise flying helicopters and providing private, professional, and specialist training, helicopter charter, and utility and aerial services.