FB Heliservices, has secured two contracts for a total value of £55m.

AgustaWestland: The contract is for training services in support of AgustaWestland overseas contracts and is based on extended Search and Rescue training at RAF Valley, but will also include Instrument Rating training and Simulator training at RAF Shawbury. The contract will require the acquisition of two AW139 and two A109 helicopters and will commence immediately, completing in 2012.

In addition to the standard SAR modifications, the new helicopters will be equipped with a four-axis autopilot with SAR modes, Radar, FLIR and NVG cockpit to enable both day and night SAR training to be undertaken.


The helicopters are planned for delivery in March and May 2009 and, following the usual
military certification process, will be based alongside the Search & Rescue Training Unit (SARTU) at RAF Valley.


UK MOD: A new contract has been awarded to extend the current operation providing three helicopters and associated engineering and logistics support to British Forces Cyprus and the Sovereign Base Areas Administration. The helicopters provide a wide range of services including Search and Rescue, Casualty/Medical Cyprus Chief Engineer, Geoff Dyer and his team.

Evacuation, Fire Fighting and Passenger/Troop/Freight Carriage. They are also used to support overseas training exercises. The new contract will run to 2017 with three option years to 2020 and commences at the conclusion of the existing contract in 2010.