http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/rotorhub-com/british-international-helicopters-support-oil-exploration-in-the-falklands/5806/
British International Helicopters support oil exploration in the Falklands
March 08, 2010
British International Helicopters (BIH) is assisting in the hunt for oil in the Falklands.
The Dorset-based company, famous for its Isles-of-Scilly passenger passenger service has had two S-61s based at Mount Pleasant on the islands since 1998 operating under contract to the UK Ministry of Defence supporting the British garrison there and its various outposts.
But now the company has sent a third machine to help support the efforts of the offshore exploration companies who will soon begin drilling efforts to the north of the islands.
Tony Jones, managing director of BIH said: 'The S-61 is the ideal helicopter for operations in the Falklands, the wide landing gear is ideal for the sloped landings the military contract requires us to do, something that a narrow-tracked type like the Super Puma is not suited.'
'It made sense for the oil companies to come to us, we have the infrastructure and experience of operating there,' added Jones.
The helicopter was shipped down on the regular supply ship which operates between the Falklands and the UK and went into action on 1 February supporting AGR Petroleum Services who are using the drilling rig, Ocean Guardian. The rig is due to be rotated amongst
several other prospectors including Desire Petroleum and BHP Billiton.
'I was flying with Bristow, the last time companies were there exploring for oil,' said Jones, 'Now the oil prices have risen enough to justify it, I think we are looking at a major long term programme of oil work there.'
British International currently operates eight S-61s and a pair of AS365 Dauphins for the Royal Navy.
By Tony Osborne - Rotorhub.com Editorial Team