Dorset-based rotary-wing support firm HeliOperations has won a five-year, £41 million deal to supply two new training helicopters to the Royal Navy.
Starting from next spring and operating out of the firm’s base at Portland, HeliOperations will provide two AW139 helicopters along with pilots, crew, and maintenance and tech support to Navy Command, as per a recent DE&S (Defence Equipment & Support) press statement.
It noted: “The contract will enable the transfer of personnel and equipment to warships and vessels at sea, providing maritime rotary wing support to Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) training and additional aviation tasks.”
The new Fleet Helicopter Support Unit (FHSU) contract awarded to HeliOperations last month is expected to create 15 new jobs and safeguard those of 80 existing employees. The pair of new Leonardo helicopters will replace a single Airbus Dauphin N2.
Director of Air Rotary & Uncrewed Air Systems at DE&S Mark Langrill commented: “The agreement will provide the Royal Navy with modern, reliable helicopter support, while supporting skilled jobs and economic growth in South-West England, reinforcing our commitment to working with small, high-end British enterprises that deliver for our armed forces.”
And HeliOperations CEO Steve Gladston added: “The FHSU contract is an important milestone for HeliOperations as part of our continuing development and growth.
“It provides the opportunity for further expansion of our fleet of AW139 helicopters, development of our infrastructure and greater opportunities for our staff whilst providing the Ministry of Defence with an efficient and effective service for the delivery of personnel and materiel to the fleet.”
- You can read more details on the DE&S website