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Transport Update
21 July 2022
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Transport
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The minister announces the signing of a £1.6 billion contract with Bristow Helicopters Ltd for UK search and rescue aviation services.
Action Requested
A new state-of-the-art helicopter service will be provided across the UK, including two seasonal bases in Fort William and Carlisle to meet summertime peak tourism demand, while existing bases will continue to operate 24/7. The contract includes advances in technology such as drones and sustainable aviation fuels.
Key Facts
- £1.6 billion contract signed with Bristow Helicopters Ltd.
- Two new seasonal helicopter bases at Fort William and Carlisle.
- Existing bases will operate 24 hours a day, except for Fort William and Carlisle which will be operational 12 hours a day from April to September.
- Contract includes 18 helicopters (Leonardo AW189s, Sikorsky S92As, and Leonardo AW139s), six King Air fixed-wing planes, and one Schiebel S-100 drone system.
- Transition period from current contract starts on 30 September 2024 to end of December 2026.
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