ICG to receive two new H225 helicopters

Airbus Helicopters is to supply the Icelandic Coast Guard (ICG) with two H225 heavy search and rescue (SAR) helicopters to renew the ICG’s three existing Airbus AS332L1 Super Puma helicopters.

The twin-engine H225 is latest in the line of Airbus Helicopter’s Super Puma family. The 11-tonne category is equipped with state-of-the-art electronic instruments and a four-axis autopilot system. Powerful engines provide a far smoother ride and enhanced performance compared to the AS332L1 model, and the aircraft can also be fitted with a wide range of SAR equipment. The new aircraft are being leased by Norwegian helicopter lessor Knut Axel Ugland Holding AS and will both be in service by the end of April 2019, and by 2022, the ICG plans to have purchased permanent replacements for all three aircraft in its fleet.

The helicopter is operated by two pilots and can be configured with up to 18 seats or six stretchers, making it an asset to any rescue mission – able to fit more crew and passengers within the cabin than many EMS aircraft on the market today. Airbus Helicopters will also be providing pilot and technician training on key features of the H225, as well as ongoing maintenance and support under an ‘HCare Smart Parts by the Hour’ contract.

Commander Sindri Steingrimsson, Director of Flight Operations at the ICG, said: “The experience with our current fleet of Super Pumas has been excellent through the years. Overall, they have done a fantastic job for us here at the ICG, in some of the most challenging conditions for aircraft SAR operations in the world. We fully expect that the new Super Pumas will add great value to the safety and security of our operations, increasing capability and reliability while at the same time modernising our technological standards to meet current needs.”