Avincis CEO James Drummond said: “We are pleased that Secretary of State has noted the very high quality and credibility of our bid, which drew on our global and UK expertise in providing helicopter emergency services.  Of course we are disappointed, but Bond has had  fantastic success in winning new business this year.  I’m very proud of our dedicated staff who continue to provide search & rescue services in the North Sea for our customers and in support of the Maritime Coastguard Agency.

“We would particularly like to commend the Department for Transport for running a very professional and robust bid process.  Search & Rescue is hugely important public service, and the Department ensured that it put integrity and technical excellence at the heart of the process.”

Last year, Avincis companies flew over 108,500 hours, conducted over 50,600 emergency health care missions, rescued more than 8,600 people at sea or on mountains, helped to put out over 7,800 fires and carried more than 175,900 passengers in the oil and gas industries.  Life and rescue services are at the core of our business.  Earlier this month two of Bond’s staff Search & Rescue team were honoured for showing selfless courage and skill by a panel comprising the RNLI, RAF, Royal Navy and Coastguard Helicopter flights, following a dramatic North Sea rescue.

Background on Avincis Group:

Avincis is the world’s leading provider of aerial services for mission-critical operations such as medical emergency, civil protection, search & rescue, coast and city surveillance, fire fighting and energy support services. Based in the UK, the Group provides central resources, safety and operating standards and systems and expertise to its operating companies who serve local markets and customers in Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Chile, Peru, UK, Norway, Australia and Ireland. Of primary importance is the Group’s oversight of safety standards across all its operations, with a global target of zero accidents.