Bristow wins UK SAR contract

Bristow Helicopters Ltd welcomes today’s (Tuesday 26 March) announcement that it has been successful in its bid for delivery of UK Search and Rescue Helicopter services.

The award of the UK SAR contract to Bristow Helicopters Ltd, which will come into effect in April 2015 and run until 2026, was announced today (Tuesday 26 March) by the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin MP.

Operating from 10 strategically located bases across the UK, using technologically advanced helicopters, the new service will be delivered by experienced crews with world-class skills, trained, qualified and certified to coordinate and execute SAR operations. Bristow Helicopters Ltd will create approximately 350 new jobs to support the contract. A transition agreement with the Ministry of Defence will ensure continuity of service and experience for military personnel transferring to the new operator.

So, Bristow won the contract. CHC will presumably be feeling extremely annoyed. Bond too, though they have already sent around a press release saying, in effect, they have so many new contracts already they are too busy for this poxy little one.