CHC LLC : Helikopterservice ( HS) starts civilian-operated rescue helicopter service for the Governor's Helicopter Service at Svalbard May 25, 2022 Read More

Today saw the start of CHC Helikopterservice (CHC HS) new civilian-operated rescue helicopter service for the Governor's Helicopter Service at Svalbard.

Under the 10-year contract, CHC HS will provide 24/7 emergency rescue helicopters, with a six person crew, including a doctor, flying two Airbus AS332L1 plus one backup aircraft.

EMEA's General Operations Manager, Per Andre Rykhus said: "We are honoured that the Norwegian Ministry of Justice has placed their trust in CHC HS to provide this vital service. I know our team will work diligently and with great pride, continuing the highest standards of emergency preparedness and safety at Svalbard. Our pilots and rescue crews are among the most highly trained and experienced in the world."

Vice-President, Heli-One, Kevin Spengler said: "We are pleased to have collaborated with our colleagues in CHC HS on this critical project. Heli-One has extensive experience of numerous aircraft types, including the AS332. We offer a one-stop solution for design, manufacturing and installation of modifications that modernize and enhance the operational capabilities of mission critical aircraft."

Svalbard

Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. One of the world's northernmost inhabited areas, it's known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra sheltering polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes. Temperatures reach -30C in the winter and experiences midnight sun in the summer and polar night in the winter. Glacial ice covers approximately 60% of the region and the population is estimated to be just under 3,000. The three main industries on Svalbard are coal mining, tourism, and research.

Svalbard as a region is vast - the area is roughly the same size as the whole Southern and Central Norway. The helicopter SAR base is in Longyearbyen. There are fuel depots in the island around Svalbard and part of the operations will include checking and changing fuel each summer. These missions will take weeks and will utilize a unique ship called Polarsyssel

ABOUT CHC

For more than 70 years, CHC Helicopter has provided safe, reliable, cost-effective helicopter service in some of the most remote and challenging environments around the world. With extensive experience transporting customers in the oil and gas industry, supporting search-and-rescue and EMS contracts, and providing maintenance, repair and overhaul services, our dedication to safety and reputation for quality and innovation help our customers reach beyond what they thought possible. CHC Helicopter has operated in Australia for more than 40 years providing services in oil and gas passenger transfer, search and rescue and emergency medical recovery.