The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed to HeliHub.com that the Royal Navy has extended the helicopter support contract for their Fleet Operational Sea Training (widely known by its “FOST” initials, and previously called Flag Officer Sea Training).

This support programme for the Royal Navy is managed through the training establishment known as HMS Raleigh, and the sea training areas it controls. The contract also includes rotary wing support for Joint Maritime Courses in Plymouth and off the west coast of Scotland.

The ten-year contract with British International Helicopters formally ended on 31st March 2021, but allowed for three one-year extensions.  The MoD has agreed to all three together and thus the contract now runs continuously to 31st March 2024.

This service uses two AS365N2 helicopters, and commenced in 1996 under the operation of Bond Helicopters and was taken on by British International in 2001, using the same two aircraft.  These are operated from Cornwall Newquay Airport and have to fly a 45 mile positioning flight to get to and from their tasks in Plymouth.

HeliHub.com

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