AAR bags UK MoD’s SAR contract in Falkland Islands

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a contract to AAR’s (AIR) Airlift unit to offer search & rescue (SAR) and Support Helicopter services in the Falkland Islands.

Under the ten-year, $275m contract, AAR Airlift will join hands with British International Helicopters (BIH) and Air Rescue Systems (ARS) and deliver a combined SAR and Support Helicopter service to the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) operations.

The programme is to be executed at the Mount Pleasant Complex in the Falkland Islands and nearby maritime region.

It involves AgustaWestland AW-189 SAR helicopters, Sikorsky S-61 support helicopters, flight operations, maintenance, logistics alongside facilities support.

MOD Defence Equipment and Support department Helicopters 2 head Ian Craddock said: "We will work closely with AAR through the period of transition, with the RAF continuing to provide search and rescue cover until the new service starts.

"I am also pleased that AAR will be sub-contracting British International Helicopters, who is already successfully providing support helicopter services in the Falkland Islands, to support delivery of the combined service."

AAR Airlift delivers expeditionary airlift services for emergency missions across the world, including passenger and cargo transport, aeromedical services, night vision operations, (SAR), airdrop and other special mission services.