Bristow choses AgustaWestland’s AW189 helicopter for UK search and rescue
AgustaWestland AW189 helicopter selected for key role in the future UK search & rescue,
Bristow Helicopters has identified AgustaWestland’s AW189 helicopter to play a key role in the future UK search of rescue, after the company won a £1.6 billion contract from the British government to provide nationwide civilian search and rescue services.
The AW189 SAR variant has been selected by Bristow Helicopters and a total of 11 AW189s will be operated by the company in the UK, starting from 2015. AgustaWestland will provide related training, maintenance and support services as part of a programme worth over €275 million.
Graham Cole, chairman at AgustaWestland Limited said: “We are delighted to be working with Bristow Helicopters to ensure the continuity and success of rescue services in the UK. AgustaWestland has been at the heart of UK search and rescue since 1955 and is proud to be continuing its association with this vital service. Bristow’s longstanding experience in life saving operations, together with our mission tailored AW189 helicopter, ensures the UK will continue to have a world-class search and rescue service.”
The AW189 currently has over 70 orders and options from operators around the world and will be built at AgustaWestland’s UK facility in Yeovil, Somerset.
