BASINGSTOKE, United Kingdom – FB Heliservices Ltd, a joint venture of Cobham and Bristow Helicopters, has been awarded an eight year contract by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to provide helicopter air reconnaissance capacity to the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard. The contract is worth approximately €45 million. 

“This contract breaks new ground for FB Heliservices and we’re very pleased with the award, especially following such a rigorous international competition,” said FB Heliservices managing director Peter Richardson. “The company already has a good history under long term performance based contracts supporting the Ministry of Defence, both in the UK and internationally.”

Operational in 2012, FB Heliservices will provide two AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters specifically equipped to provide air reconnaissance and also search and rescue capabilities. 

“The two aircraft will be based in the Dutch Caribbean and FB Heliservices will also provide both AW139 qualified operational aircrew and maintenance services in order to fully support the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard air reconnaissance operations,” Richardson added. 

Operational in 2012, FB Heliservices will provide two AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters specifically equipped to provide air reconnaissance and also search and rescue capabilities. 

“The two aircraft will be based in the Dutch Caribbean and FB Heliservices will also provide both AW139 qualified operational aircrew and maintenance services in order to fully support the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard air reconnaissance operations,” Richardson added.