Irish Helicopters is celebrating the arrival of a new EC135 T2+ whose delivery coincides with its 40 year anniversary. Part of the PLM Dollar Group's PDG Helicopters, Irish Helicopters flies more than 11,000 hours per year. "We deliver every aspect of helicopter charter," says md Alan O'Neill.

"This includes corporate and vip passenger transport, load lifting, filming for movies and television, fire fighting, electricity line patrol, thermal imaging, scenic tours, construction, live fish transfers and air ambulance."

Irish Helicopters, he adds, holds a number of vital and strategically important contracts including the provision of services to the Commissioners of Irish Lights in support of its navigational aids and lighthouses around the coast of Ireland.

"This contract started back in 1969," O'Neill recalls, "with the first official air transfer flight on 29 October that year with an Alouette III." In subsequent years that helicopter was supported by BO105s. In 2007 Irish Lights completed a tendering process and awarded Irish Helicopters a new seven-year contract due to start this month (December) with the addition of the new EC135 T2+.

The EC135 T2+ was put onto the UK register while it completed its modifications and fit out at Eurocopter UK Oxford and then onto the Irish register in time for the November training programme.

The helicopter is fitted out as a single pilot IFR machine with floats and cargo hook. Irish Helicopters currently operates two BO105s, two AS350s and a Bell 407 in addition to the EC135. The company also holds EASA 147 approvals for the Agusta 109 series, Bell 206/407 series and EC120/350/365/135 series.

O'Neill says: "Irish Helicopters is the only approved FAA repair station for rotary wing within Ireland including manufacture approval for Bell Helicopters for the Bell 206/407 series aircraft.

"The ability of Irish Helicopters' aircraft to be efficient and effective in flying operations relies totally on the engineering backup provided by engineering personnel."

The company also provides engineering services for other helicopter operators and private owners. Irish Helicopters employs 25 staff and has been operating from Dublin Airport for the past 40 years. In August it took on a second base at Knocksedan heliport in Dublin. "This was to support our continued growth within the sector in Ireland," says O'Neill.