Avincis responds to UK search and rescue announcement

Avincis CEO James Drummond has responded to the announcement on Tuesday that Bristow Helicopters was awarded the UK search and rescue contract.

Drummond said: “We are pleased that Secretary of State has noted the very high quality and credibility of our bid, which drew on our global and UK expertise in providing helicopter emergency services. Of course we are disappointed, but Bond has had fantastic success in winning new business this year. I’m very proud of our dedicated staff who continue to provide search & rescue services in the North Sea for our customers and in support of the Maritime Coastguard Agency.”

“We would particularly like to commend the Department for Transport for running a very professional and robust bid process. Search & Rescue is hugely important public service, and the Department ensured that it put integrity and technical excellence at the heart of the process,” Drummond added.

Last year, Avincis companies flew over 108,500 hours, conducted over 50,600 emergency health care missions, rescued more than 8,600 people at sea or on mountains, helped to put out over 7,800 fires and carried more than 175,900 passengers in the oil and gas industries.