AAR commences SAR for UK MoD in the Falkland Islands

AAR’s Airlift division has commenced operations for SAR and support helicopter services for the UK Ministry of Defence in the Falkland Islands.

Together with British International Helicopters and Air Rescue Systems, AAR Airlift Group is delivering turnkey SAR and support helicopter services to the British Forces South Atlantic Islands operations. The system includes AW189 SAR helicopters, Sikorsky S-61N support helicopters, flight operations, maintenance, logistics, facilities support, and personnel management at the Mount Pleasant Complex in the Falkland Islands and the surrounding maritime region. The mission includes all-weather SAR, helicopter emergency services, rescue hoist operations and passenger and cargo transfers.

Following the award of the 10-year, £180-million contract in January 2015, AAR sourced two new AW189 aircraft customised by manufacturer Finmeccanica to meet the programme requirements. This programme presents the first UK Civil Aviation Authority-approved AW189s operating in a SAR role, said AAR.

“AAR has integrated a team of industry experts to deliver to the UK Ministry of Defence a sophisticated commercial SAR service fit for a military and civil application, the first operation of its kind,” said Steven B. Harrison, president of AAR Airlift Group. “We are committed to providing a reliable, quality SAR service that maintains the standards of the Royal Air Force, as well as continued excellence for the commercial support helicopter services.”