MoD awards £180m deal for Falklands rescue operations

The British International Helicopters (BIH), based at Cornwall Airport Newquay, has been awarded a £180 million contract by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), to fund search and rescue services in the Falkland islands.

The helicopter firm has begun flight operations in the region and is working alongside Britain’s military forces to provide a range of vital air support services. Following the award of a 10-year MoD contract last year, the company will implement a range of measures including around the clock, all-weather search and rescue, helicopter emergency services and passenger and cargo transfers.

Under the terms of the MoD contract, BIH’s Falklands team will provide a full list of flight operations, maintenance, logistics and facilities support from the MoD’s military base at Mount Pleasant.

Sir Peter Rigby, founder of BIH's owner Rigby Group, said: "This is a proud moment for British International Helicopters. The Falkland Islands assignment is a challenging one, demanding the very best from both craft and crew, and there are not many operators with the capabilities required to deliver it.

"That our crews should be the ones selected to fly alongside and meet the exacting standards of the Royal Air Force is testament not only to their skill, but also to BIH's reputation as a trusted military and commercial partner."