The global fleet of Sikorsky S-92® helicopters recently surpassed one million flight hours, in an impressively short time of less than 12 years. Sikorsky is a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT). “We are incredibly thankful to our customers, suppliers and employees for reaching this milestone, and we are tremendously proud of the S-92 helicopter’s industry-leading… Read more »
The first AgustaWestland AW101 Norwegian All-Weather SAR Helicopter was unveiled yesterday by Anders Anundsen, Norway’s Minister of Justice and Public Security, during a ceremony held at Leonardo Helicopters’ Yeovil facility in south-west England. Minister of Justice and Public Security, Anders Anundsen (on right in photo with Leonardo Helicopters CEO Daniele Romiti), said “This roll out… Read more »
Leonardo-Finmeccanica announced today that Government of Pakistan has signed a contract for an undisclosed number of AgustaWestland AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters. The signing was held in Islamabad in presence of the H.E. Italian Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo. The contract is part of a fleet renewal programme spread over several batches including a logistic support and… Read more »
Era Group Inc. (NYSE: ERA) (“Era”) is pleased to announce its Search and Rescue (SAR) Program has successfully completed 1,000 missions in the Gulf of Mexico. Collaborating with Priority 1 Air Rescue (“P1AR”), an internationally recognized leader of SAR services, Era pioneered the establishment of its commercial air ambulance and search and rescue offering in… Read more »
Lease Corporation International (LCI), the aviation leasing arm of the Libra Group, has delivered the first new AW139 helicopter to Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service based in Australia. The aircraft is currently en route and will arrive at Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service’s main base in Newcastle, New South Wales, in June to enable pilots along with… Read more »
Over the last five years, Algeria has received a significant number of helicopters from AgustaWestland, but the manufacturer goes into complete silence mode when asked how many aircraft have been delivered. No article has been published to date enumerating the extent of this order. HeliHub.com has thus done a significant amount of research in an… Read more »
The Royal Air Force has donated a Sea King (Sikorsky S61 built in UK under licence) to the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust. The aircraft is serialled XZ593. RAF Commodore Darren Bone said: “For over a generation the Sea King has been a reassuring sight across the Falkland Islands. It has gone to the… Read more »
Following the recent gradual disbandment of UK military SAR, the RAF Valley based Search & Rescue Training Unit (SARTU), a unit of the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS), will be formally numbered 202 (Reserve) Squadron at a ceremony at RAF Shawbury, the home of the DHFS. No 202 (Reserve) Squadron will become the maritime and… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters delivered the first of two H215s to join the Finnish Boarder Guard fleet on 28th February, and the second is expected to arrive today. Serial 2926, and registered OH-HVQ, the aircraft departed the factory at Marignane in southern France yesterday and has over-nighted in Germany. The Finnish Boarder Guard already operates three AS332… Read more »
Bristow Helicopters has completed a one year contract in the Falkland Islands with three Sikorsky S92s. While the contract allowed for extensions beyond the first year, the continued depressed oil price has meant that these were not exercised – as predicted by HeliHub.com. The company’s announcement of the contract win early in 2015 described it… Read more »
The Irish Coast Guard has achieved the significant milestone of 10,000 Sikorsky S92 flight hours in its Irish Search-and-Rescue (SAR). The five new technology Sikorsky S92 aircraft have completed more than 3100 missions, operating from the bases in Sligo, Waterford, Shannon and Dublin. With the introduction of the S92, the service ushered in a stepped… Read more »
Bristow Group today announced the strengthening of its operational structure by centralizing, simplifying and standardizing its business operations to improve safety performance, effectiveness and efficiency for clients. This new structure will enable the company to continue to reduce costs, while improving its leading competitive position. As part of these operational changes, Bristow will also continue… Read more »
The Department for Transport has announced that Lydd Airport will be the permanent base for the UK Coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter services in the south-east. The UK Search and Rescue Helicopter Service has operated out of Lydd Airport on a temporary basis since August 2015. The decision to make this arrangement permanent will enable… Read more »
Offshore and SAR operator CHC must be under significant pressure to not make an interest payment. The company has announced that $46 million was due Friday on its 9.25% senior secured notes maturing October 15, 2020 (the “2020 Notes”). The small print governing the 2020 Notes allows CHC a 30-day grace period after the interest… Read more »
Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan announced last week that his Government would be launching a spending review across all aspects of the military, making it clear that there was nothing off limits. A 36 page document was issued, inviting feedback on what the military should – or should not – be involved in. One section… Read more »
AAR (NYSE: AIR) announces its Airlift division has commenced operations for Search and Rescue (SAR) and Support Helicopter (SH) services for the UK Ministry of Defence in the Falkland Islands. AAR Airlift Group, together with British International Helicopters (BIH) and Air Rescue Systems (ARS), is delivering turnkey SAR and Support Helicopter services to the British… Read more »
Local news outlets in Nevada are reporting that the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police have approval to buy a new Airbus H145, with delivery targeted for March 2017. The new helicopter will operate in the SAR role and replace one of two HH-1H helicopers which date back to the early 1970s. The Metropolitan Police Committee on… Read more »
Finmeccanica announced today that the fleet of 26 AgustaWestland AW189 super medium twin engine helicopters, in service with customers across four continents, has exceeded 10,000 flight hours. The milestone, achieved less than two years after the first aircraft delivery, marks a major commercial and operational milestone for the most successful helicopter in the all-new super… Read more »
Finmeccanica has today announced that the first of 16 helicopters AgustaWestland AW101 from search and rescue to Norway made its maiden flight last March 21, at the factory of helicopters division of Yeovil , UK. The event, a key step in the development of the program for which proceeds on schedule, confirms the launch of… Read more »
Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides has hit out against what he sees is a cover-up in the suspicious purchase of five AW139s from AgustaWestland back in 2008. Cyprus bought three for SAR work, and two for their national Police force. See full story
Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with Japan Coast Guard (JCG) for the purchase of an additional H225. JCG, which already operates five H225s, has ordered this additional aircraft as part of its fleet renewal plans. The helicopter is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2018. This H225 will be equipped with the most… Read more »
While in low hover with winchman on the wire, the helicopter started to spin uncontrollably and then crashed into the sea. 2 fatality, 3 critical The scene was a beached cargo ship, and the weather was rough Cell phone video here
As part of its efforts to introduce Just Culture to its organization, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) invited Bristow’s Europe Caspian Region Head of Safety Steve Harriss to address their project board. The MCA is working towards formally signing up to a Just and Fair Culture program – focusing first on its post-mission review… Read more »
Trakka Systems is pleased to announce that Airbus Helicopters have selected the TrakkaBeam A800 tactical searchlight for the new 7 x H175 multi-mission helicopters acquired by Hong Kong’s Government Flying Services (GFS). “We are extremely pleased that the Trakkabeam has again been chosen for another premier International Search and Rescue programme, and in particular for… Read more »
Sikorsky recognized Bristow Helicopters today for its critical role in safely evacuating hundreds of workers with S-92® helicopters from six oil platforms in the North Sea on Dec. 31, 2015. Sikorsky President Dan Schultz presented the recognition to Bristow President and CEO Jonathan Baliff in a ceremony at the 2016 Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo show…. Read more »
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first of two H215s to join the Finnish Boarder Guard fleet, announced today at the Heli Expo Trade Show, where an H215 can be visited on the static display. The first H215 arrived in Finland on February 28 following a training session at the Airbus Helicopters headquarters in Marignane, France…. Read more »
LifePort, a Sikorsky company, has designed and delivered a sea floor that seals an entire S-92® cabin being utilized for search and rescue (SAR) missions. The unique floor layout allows for the installation of seats, a LifePort Stacking Litter System (SLS) and an internal auxiliary fuel tank. Sikorsky is a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE:LMT). LifeGard… Read more »
Heli-One, a leading global provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has completed search and rescue (SAR) cabin modifications on two Airbus Helicopters H225 aircraft for CHC Helicopter (CHC). The cabin modification was designed in close collaboration with CHC’s SAR crews to optimize usage within a size-restricted space. The design is a modular… Read more »
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today a signed letter of intent with Guangxi Diwang Group for 10 Bell 525 Relentless super-medium helicopters. Guangxi Diwang Group will use the Bell 525s for tourism and search-and-rescue missions. Guangxi Diwang Group is a Commercial Development and Real Estate Investor. “After learning more about the… Read more »
Breeze-Eastern LLC will display its largest-ever array of leading-edge and legacy products in Exhibit 11944 at HAI HELI-EXPO 2016. The company will introduce and display a new DC brushless motor and controller for new and legacy 20200 Series rescue hoists. The upgraded hoist, known as BL-20200-440, features unlimited duty cycle, a 60 percent increase in… Read more »
Trakka Systems announces the launch of its new TLX searchlight with dual sensor TV/Thermal Imaging camera option which will be displayed for the first time at the HAI Heli-Expo in Louisville, Kentucky 1-3 March 2016. Trakka Systems is the leading brand in searchlight technology and also a leader in the supply of fully exportable gyro-stabilized… Read more »
Members of 103 Search and Rescue Squadron from 9 Wing Gander, Newfoundland, are returning home after training with the Icelandic Coast Guard and local Search and Rescue teams from February 9-12, 2016. Nine Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) personnel along with a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter took part in multiple exercise scenarios, including training with the… Read more »
Bristow has released its financial statement for the three months to 31 December 2015, the first directly comparable quarter since the oil price went into free-fall at the back end of 2014. Turnover in oil-related operations is down 21.2%. Here are some extracts from the full statement:- Our operating revenue for the December 2015 quarter was impacted… Read more »
Italy’s Guardia Costiera (Coast Guard) have now received all six of their new batch of AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters, replacing older Agusta-built Bell 412s. The last pair were delivered on Friday 22nd and Thursday 28th January to Sarzana using callsigns “Nemo 9” and “Nemo 10”. Guardia Costiera previously had four AW139s, delivered late 2010 and early… Read more »
The Croatian Police last week took delivery of the first of two AW139 helicopters, with the second reportedly due in July 2016. Flown to Zagreb Airport on Wednesday, the aircraft had actually quietly entered national airspace the previous evening and overnighted at Pula ready for its higher profile landing at the capital’s airport. The two… Read more »
A new era for the UK’s search and rescue (SAR) helicopter operations began January 1, 2016, when the Newquay and Prestwick SAR bases commenced operations, bringing military involvement to an end. A release issued by HM Coastguard to mark the occasion stated: “All of us at HM Coastguard have enormous respect for the search and… Read more »
The Lithuanian Ministry of Defence and the Lithuanian Armed Forces assigned their three new AS365 N3+ helicopters to the 24/7 SAR mission service. Only two years after ordering the helicopters, Lithuanian Armed Forces are now ready to ensure SAR 24/7 service with their AS365 N3+. Following the first two deliveries in June and September 2015,… Read more »
Following the announcement in December 2012 of this order by the then-Eurocopter, HeliHub.com can confirm that the Finnish Border Forces have accepted two new AS332L1e helicopters in a ceremony on 21st December at Marignane, France. Registered OH-HVP and HVQ, the helicopter are scheduled to remain in France for crew training, with in-country arrivals scheduled for… Read more »
During last night the Coast Guard’s Rescue 115 and Rescue 118 completed two helicopter missions which bringing the total number of completed helicopter missions to 1,000 in a single year; the first time since the Coast Guard’s helicopter service commenced in 1991. Many of the services were carried out in challenging weather conditions, at night… Read more »
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid a visit to Air Force’s Bangabandhu Base in Dhaka in Dhaka on Sunday 6th December to induct two new aircraft types. Aside from the Yak-140 jet trainer (they have 24 on order), the more important part of the day was to launch the AW139 into military service in this… Read more »
Bristow Helicopters is all set for the opening of two more UK SAR bases, with the second Sikorsky S92 arriving at Prestwick on Sunday. This means that both Newquay and Prestwick have their compliment of aircraft – two S92s each at the present time – in preparation for live operations. The Sikorsky S92s at Prestwick… Read more »
The first of two AW139s announced by AgustaWestland in June 2015 as sold to Atlantic Airways has been seen on flight test in Italy. In our photo here by Marco Bianchi, the first example is seen with double hoist mounted to starboard. In their press release, AgustaWestland stated that the aircraft will be used to… Read more »
Local press has confirmed the arrival of the second Sikorsky S92 at Newquay, ready for the new SAR base to open under the operation of Bristow Helicopters. As the UK SAR provision transitions from a mixture of civil and military over to a single dedicated civil contract, so Bristow is opening up bases over a… Read more »
FlightSafety announces that it now offers a new comprehensive Search and Rescue training course for pilots who fly the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. It is available at FlightSafety’s Learning Centers in West Palm Beach, Florida and at the Farnborough airport in the United Kingdom. “Pilots who fly the Sikorsky S-92 will benefit from FlightSafety’s new scenario-based,… Read more »
Alpine Aerotech proudly introduces the new Cabin and Cargo Floor Protection Kits for the Bell 429 Aircraft, constructed from high-quality impact, wear and heat resistant material to protect the cabin and cargo floor from damage. Cabin and Cargo Floor Protection Kits for the Bell 429 Aircraft are very light, easy to install and maintain. The… Read more »
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense is working with AgustaWestland to design, develop and produce Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) systems to protect AW189 helicopter engines and auxiliary power units (APUs) from dirt, dust, salt and foreign objects. EASA certification is expected in spring 2016, and will keep contamination from degrading the performance and reliability of its two,… Read more »
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has closed its acquisition of Sikorsky Aircraft, a world leader in military and commercial rotary-wing aircraft. Aligned under the Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training (MST) business segment, Sikorsky Aircraft is now known as Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. “Today we are proud to welcome the Sikorsky team to Lockheed Martin,”… Read more »
The Joint Aviation Command (JAC) of the United Arab Emirates announced today it has selected the AW609 TiltRotor for search and rescue (SAR) missions. Delivery of the first three AW609 TiltRotors to the JAC, with three additional options,is expected to start in the 2019 timeframe. The Joint Aviation Command will be the launch customer for… Read more »
Bristow winchman Duncan Tripp has been recognized as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his service to the Royal Air Force (RAF). Tripp served as winchman paramedic based at RAF Lossiemouth with 202 Squadron for 18 years before transitioning to Bristow’s UK SAR base at Inverness in April… Read more »
The first of two state of the art Sikorsky S-92 search and rescue helicopters has arrived at the new HM Coastguard base at Prestwick Airport, ready to begin operations in January 2016. The aircraft and the base are operated by Bristow Helicopters Ltd on behalf of HM Coastguard after the company was awarded the ten… Read more »
The first of two AgustaWestland AW189s for Search and Rescue work off the Falkland Islands has started test flying in full colours, as seen below in this photo by Marco Bianchi. The aircraft will be operational under a new ten year contract starting April 2016. When AAR announced the contract win, the value was quoted… Read more »
Cougar Helicopters, the company that brings workers back and forth to offshore oil facilities, is showing off its latest search and rescue suits. See Full Story
The first of two state-of-the-art Sikorsky S-92 search and rescue helicopters has arrived at the new HM Coastguard base at Newquay Airport, ready to begin operations in January 2016. The aircraft and the base are operated by Bristow Helicopters Ltd on behalf of HM Coastguard after the company was awarded the ten year UK SAR… Read more »
All Metal MS, a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of solution driven custom “Safety First” aircraft maintenance stands, fall protection platforms, hangar equipment, portable field equipment, and specialty tooling is excited to announce that it delivered a customized line of solution driven MH-60 Jayhawk maintenance stands and hangar equipment to the United… Read more »
Port Metro Vancouver has donated a specialized infrared camera to North Shore Rescue. When required by North Shore Rescue the camera will be mounted to a helicopter and used as a tool to help locate missing people in challenging terrain. The camera, a SeaFlir II-C stabilized imaging system, utilizes FLIR (forward looking infrared radiometer) technology… Read more »
The launch of the St Athan civilian UK search and rescue (SAR) helicopter service was marked today (Thursday 15 October) in a ceremony held at the new SAR base at St Athan airfield. Bristow Helicopters Ltd is operating the search and rescue helicopter service for the UK on behalf of HM Coastguard. The UK limited… Read more »
The Royal Air Force bowed out from it’s Search And Rescue role in the UK on Sunday 4th October, as the last base stood down – RAF Chivenor, it confirmed on Twitter. Although planned for 30 September, a last minute hitch meant that Bristow Helicopters were not able to start operations until Sunday, with their… Read more »
RA-Aviation, a global player in the design, engineering and manufacturing of high quality safe maintenance stands, assembly/production line platforms ground support equipment announced today the release of Rescue Hoist Cable Wash Trolley. (Part# RA-GSE-2071-0-RHC) Oyvind Mork, Managing Director, is pleased with the continued success in developing products in co-operation with our customers regarding planning, design… Read more »
RAF Boulmer, a long-established SAR base in the north-east of the UK, has closed that role as the SAR responsibility for the UK is gradually handed over to Bristow Helicopters. As part of the phased plan to retire Royal Navy and Royal Air Force helicopters, 202 Squadron retired its two yellow Sea Kings with a… Read more »
The China Ministry of Transport (MOT) today accepted delivery of its final two S-76D™ helicopters in a ceremony at Sikorsky Aircraft’s commercial helicopter center. The MOT’s helicopter fleet, which is the foundation of China’s airborne search and rescue (SAR) maritime operations, now totals 16 S-76® helicopters, eight of which are S-76D aircraft. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp…. Read more »
AgustaWestland announced today that the Limited Ice Protection System (LIPS) for the AW189 super medium twin engine helicopter has received EASA certification. The LIPS system will allow the AW189 to further enhance its all-weather capabilities, continuing the process to make the all-new super medium class helicopter suitable to operate in the most adverse and harsh… Read more »
Bristow Helicopters in the UK continues to experience delays with the introduction of the AgustaWestland AW189, and has no plans to operate the type on the national Maritime and Coast Guard Agency contract until all of its issues are sorted. The contractual requirement is for 20 helicopters, two at each of ten bases, and the… Read more »
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today at the China Helicopter Exposition that it has delivered six S-76D helicopters to the China Ministry of Transport (MOT) for Search and Rescue Operations (SAR), further enhancing the MOT’s maritime capabilities. The MOT’s S-76D helicopter fleet is on track to include a total of eight S-76D aircraft by the end… Read more »
Hong Kong-based Government Flying Services (GFS) has ordered seven Airbus Helicopters H175s, becoming the world’s launching customer for this new-generation super-medium-sized rotorcraft in the public services configuration. GFS is a department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, with the main responsibility of providing 24-hour emergency support services. It is an established operator of Airbus… Read more »
Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS) today reported a net loss for the June 2015 quarter of $3.3 million, or $0.27 per diluted share on a GAAP basis, compared to net income of $44.1 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, in the same period in the prior year. Adjusted net income, which excludes special items and asset disposition effects, decreased 58% to $19.8 million, or $0.56 per diluted… Read more »
Bristow search and rescue (SAR) framework was recognized as the Green Champion for Scotland in the 2015 Green Apple Awards. The award provides recognition for framework in which sustainability has played a key role and associated objectives have been exceeded. Balfour Beatty led the £40 million construction framework of seven new SAR facilities and refurbishment… Read more »
Russian pilot Sergey Ananov was most of the way to completing a solo circumnavigation in a Robinson R22. He had refuelled in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and was on a 500 mile leg to Nuuk in Greenland when contact was lost. He was reported overdue at 3.20pm Eastern time on Saturday 25th July. Weather conditions were hazardous… Read more »
Era Group Inc. (NYSE: ERA) (“Era”), a leading helicopter transport operator based in the United States, today announced participation in the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic Technology Evaluation 2015 Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX 2015) on Alaska’s North Slope. SAREX 2015 was designed to identify the benefits to search and rescue (SAR) missions brought forth by… Read more »
On 18th June, HeliHub.com ran the story Guardia Costiera increases AW139 fleet On 6th July, AgustaWestland issued the following press release AgustaWestland announced today a major milestone in the modernization of the Italian Coast Guard’s helicopter fleet, with the delivery of three further AW139 intermediate twin aircraft and an order for two more aircraft. The… Read more »
Bristow Helicopters has moved to the next phase of the UK SAR contract, with operations starting today from Caernarfon and Lydd. Caernarfon sees two Sikorsky S92s – G-MCGJ and G-MCGK – and a new hangar built by Balfour Beatty added to the privatised SAR service today. The base is in the north of Wales, and… Read more »
Following AgustaWestland’s announcement in July 2014, HeliHub.com can confirm that the two AW139s due to be delivered to the Bangladesh Air Force are now being test flown at the factory prior to delivery. The two are serialled 613 and 616, and are currently flying on Italian permit registrations I-EASS and I-PTFR respectively. As is the… Read more »