Australia awards search and rescue services deal to Cobham

Cobham has received a contract from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to deliver airborne search and rescue operations upon the expiry of the existing contract with AeroRescue.

As part of the estimated $559m, 12-year contract, which comes with an option to continue for up to three more years, Cobham SAR Services will provide four Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft capable of conducting SAR missions.

The aircraft will be integrated with a suite of electronic sensors, and air operable doors for aerial delivery of survival equipment such as life rafts, satellite phones, food and water for individuals in distress.

AMSA chief executive officer Mick Kinley said: "This contract will continue the search and rescue capability for AMSA utilising Bombardier Challenger CL-604 jet aircraft specially modified for this role.

"The future capability will use faster and longer range aircraft to provide a similar level of capability to our current service, but using fewer aircraft."

The contract also involves provision of comprehensive service including owning, modifying, maintaining and operating the aircraft.

Cobham claimed that the aircraft for SAR missions will be provided at short notice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The company will start SAR operations for AMSA from August 2016 in Perth, followed by Cairns and Melbourne later the same year.

The existing contractor for the operation, AeroRescue, will continue to offer services until August 2016.