UK-based PDG Helicopters has taken delivery of a factory-new H135. The aircraft will be the 17th Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft in the PDG fleet, and has been selected to support the operator's service contract with the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) signed in October 2014. This will be the second H135 for PDG which will extend its parts by the hour (PBH) contract to cover the newly acquired aircraft. It will also be the first customer in the UK to sign up to Airbus Helicopters' customer service since the launch of the HCare scheme in March.

Both aircraft will carry out transport and utility operations and are projected to fly a combined 1,000 hours per year. Duties will include personnel transfers and logistics missions between main bases, lighthouses and support vessels at sea. The type was selected owing to its track record of operating in tough and demanding environments. Its extended range and multi-purpose design combined with straightforward maintenance and high availability were also key factors.

Says CEO Jerry Francis: “The versatility and reliability of the H135, along with Airbus Helicopters support, will ensure that we can provide a high quality service to GLA's network of lighthouses across the British Isles. This is an important and challenging mission and we are excited to be entering into the delivery phase.”

Under the PBH contract, PDG Helicopters will benefit from increased aircraft availability as a result of access to spares and maintenance support. In addition, fixed rate conditions and reduced inventory costs will ease maintenance costs.