The Ministry of Defence and Department for Transport have selected Soteria as the preferred bidder for the UK’s Search and Rescue – Helicopter programme.
The Search and Rescue – Helicopter (SAR-H) is a single harmonised Search and Rescue service in the UK, and will replace the current SAR helicopter with a bespoke capability. The contract is a 25-year Private Finance Initiative, with Soteria working in partnership with the MoD and DfT to replace the current service with initial service provision in 2012.
The Soteria consortium consists of:
– CHC: The largest global supplier of civilian helicopter services and the current provider of the MCA Interim SAR Service.
– RBS: MoD PFI expertise with an extensive record as a PFI equity investor.
– Thales UK: UK government PFI/PPP experience, training provider and a leading MoD and DfT contractor
– Sikorsky: S92 manufacturer and a leader in the design and manufacture of military and commercial helicopters, with a distinguished pedigree in SAR.
David Rae, Soteria Bid Director, said: “SAR-H is a very important programme for the UK, and this decision is a strong vote of confidence in Soteria and our ability to provide this vital public service. Soteria will work in partnership with the MoD and DfT, and other SAR and civil resilience stakeholders, to ensure that the UK’s history of providing a world leading SAR service is assured and enhanced through the introduction of modern technology in the form of the Sikorsky S92.”
