Milestone boosts SAR partnership with Bristow
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Milestone Aviation Group is boosting its search and rescue (SAR) partnership with helicopter operator Bristow after agreeing the lease of two Leonardo AW189 helicopters and four Sikorsky S-92 helicopters.
The lessor has completed a purchase-leaseback of a new AW189 helicopter with Bristow, which represents the first SAR-enabled AW189 aircraft in Milestone’s fleet.
The second AW189 helicopter is a lease extension, which Milestone is converting to SAR configuration. Both helicopters will be deployed on flying SAR missions for the Netherlands Coastguard.
Milestone has also placed three Sikorsky S-92 helicopters on SAR missions across Norway. A fourth S92 is scheduled to be delivered later this year.
Pat Sheedy, CEO, Milestone Aviation said Bristow has been a long-term partner for many years and the lessor was pleased to support the operator’s growing SAR operations. “As part of this deal, we are delighted to add the first SAR-enabled AW189 to the Milestone portfolio and to bring the advanced capabilities of this aircraft to a wider variety of customers operating mission-critical responses,” said Sheedy.
Stuart Stavley, chief operating officer (COO), Offshore Energy Services, Bristow welcomed expansion of the partnership. “Bristow performs critical, life-saving SAR services around the globe,” said Stavley. “These aircraft, along with our world-class personnel, help make that mission possible.”
Milestone supports more than 50 customers in over 40 countries worldwide. The lessor serves a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining, fire-fighting, and other utility missions.
Earlier this week Milestone’s parent company AerCap Holdings disclosed it had transported about 13 tons of humanitarian aid to Turkey following the recent earthquake. Ferried from Rotterdam to Antalya aboard an Airbus A321 aircraft, the aid included: clothing, baby food and power generators for distribution by humanitarian aid organisations.
Meanwhile, earlier this month Bristow revealed a new organisational structure designed to support business growth. The operator’s leadership team will align with its main service lines of Government Services and Offshore Energy Services. Each is being led by a dedicated COO.
Top: Milestone has agreed the lease to Bristow of two Leonardo AW189 helicopters and four Sikorsky S-92s.
Above: Milestone’s parent company AerCap Holdings has transported 13 tons of aid to Turkey.
