Blackpool-based aviation support specialist HeliSpeed has signed an agreement with British International Helicopters (BIH) to support its SAR operations in the Falkland Islands. Through the agreement, HeliSpeed will supply BIH with pilots from its HeliTrax database of over 1,500 helicopter pilots and engineers.

British International Helicopters is the largest British-owned helicopter firm with a track record of delivering safe and reliable services in challenging environments.

“We're so pleased to be working closely with BIH, supporting its operations in the Falkland Islands,” comments Gemma Walker, HeliSpeed operations director. “At HeliSpeed, we can supply specialist contract pilots for short and long-term global missions on more than 83 types of helicopters. We now have over 1,500 highly-skilled pilots trained to work in extreme environments with mission specific capabilities.”

HeliSpeed brings the expertise of pilots and operators closer together by matching the skills of experienced pilots with the needs and preferences of operators. It is an expert in the diverse skill sets required for offshore, construction, utility, SAR, EMS, disaster relief and VIP missions. HeliSpeed can support ferry flights, aircraft repositioning, ground and flight tests, and training across every platform.

BIH COO Alistair Riches adds: “Our SAR service in the Falkland Islands is built on the highest standards of capability, responsiveness and precision. Key to this are the skills and behaviours of our people. We have chosen to engage with HeliSpeed because it offers similar responsiveness and precision, which complements our existing in-house capabilities.”