PDG Helicopters’ current aircraft delivering logistic support at Ardnakinna Lighthouse (County Cork). PDG Helicopters Photo
PDG Helicopters has received its new H135 at a hand over event at Helitech 2015. The aircraft, the 17th Airbus Helicopters aircraft in the PDG fleet, has been selected to support PDG’s service contract with the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs). This will be the second H135 in PDG Helicopters’ fleet and, in a sign of confidence in Airbus Helicopters’ Customer Service, the company is extending its Parts By the Hour (PBH) contract to cover the newly acquired aircraft. This will be the first customer to sign up in the U.K. to Airbus Helicopters’ Customer Service since the launch of the new HCare offering.
Both aircraft, projected to provide a combined 1000 flying hours per year, will carry out transport and utility operations, including personnel transfers and logistics missions between main bases, lighthouses and support vessels at sea. With a proven record operating in tough and demanding environments, the H135’s extended range and multi-purpose design along with the aircraft’s easy maintenance and high availability, make this the ideal platform to meet PDG Helicopters’ mission requirements.
Jerry Francis, CEO PDG Helicopters said, “The versatility and reliability of the H135, along with Airbus Helicopters support, will ensure that we can provide a high quality service to GLAs network of lighthouses across the British Isles. This is an important and challenging mission and we are excited to be entering into the delivery phase”.
Completed PDG Helicopters’ H135, including the aircraft’s mission suite. Paul Cordwell/Airbus Helicopters Photo
“As the U.K.’s leading civil helicopter supplier, it is important for us to be helping our customers support the U.K.’s national infrastructure,” said Colin James, managing director, Airbus Helicopters in the U.K. “PDG Helicopters can enjoy the peace of mind that only Airbus Helicopters can provide.”
Under the PBH contract, PDG Helicopters will benefit from increased aircraft availability as a result of unbeatable access to spares and maintenance support. In addition, the fixed rate conditions and reduced inventory costs ensure customers have stable and easily managed maintenance costs. As part of the company’s commitment to quality and performance, Airbus Helicopters’ recently launched HCare, the company’s latest services offering developed to provide competitive solutions tailored to the customers’ needs.
