UAE-based Abu Dhabi Aviation has signed a two-year agreement with Blackpool airport, UK-based pilot supply service company HeliSpeed. During this time HeliSpeed will provide qualified and experienced helicopter pilots to support Abu Dhabi Aviation’s growing operations in the Middle East and beyond, on a variety of helicopter types that include the AW139, the Bell 412 and the H135.

Abu Dhabi Aviation’s management comments: “HeliSpeed’s business model has been instrumental in allowing us to adapt our capacity quickly and efficiently, giving us the flexibility we need to satisfy our customers.”

HeliSpeed CEO Geoff Packer adds: “We are proud to support Abu Dhabi Aviation's operational growth plans with tangible flex staffing solutions.”

With its proprietary pilot management database, HeliTrax, HeliSpeed is able to respond to operators’ needs globally, on over 83 types of helicopters, supplying contract pilots for missions ranging from ferry flights and flight tests, to longer term commitments in offshore transportation, VIP, SAR/EMS or various utility tasks.

Abu Dhabi Aviation is the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East, employing more than 1,200 personnel and operating and maintaining in excess of 50 helicopters and a fleet of Dash 8 aircraft worldwide.

Helispeed has also agreed a 12 month deal with Morocco-based Heliconia Aero Solutions, whose fleet of Airbus and Leonardo helicopters deliver offshore transportation, aerial surveying and VIP transport. The pilots will operate predominantly in Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal. Operations director Gemma Walker says: “This agreement will allow Heliconia to continue its fantastic work in a seamless manner, with the reassurance that our highly-trained and professional pilots will be provided quickly and at short notice, for both its short and long term operations.

“As part of the agreement, Heliconia Aero Solutions will have access to our database of over 800 pilots, who have experience working across many aviation disciplines, including global repositioning, VIP transport, offshore operations, flight testing and pilot training. We vet all of our pilots, ensuring they have the right experience in flying and navigating the specific aircraft provided. We also take care of the administrative, HR and logistical tasks associated with placing pilots, making life easier for operators.”