MOD and MCA/DfT selects Soteria for the Search and Rescue - Helicopter (SAR-H) programme

Today the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Department for Transport (DfT) selected Soteria as the preferred bidder for the Search and Rescue - Helicopter (SAR-H) programme.

SAR-H is a single harmonised Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter service in the UK, which will replace the current SAR helicopter service with a bespoke capability. It will ensure that military aircrew will develop their SAR skills and experience that will be transferred back to the expeditionary forces.

The contract is a 25-year Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and Soteria will work 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. With a dedicated culture of constant improvement when it comes to safety.

RBS: Proven MoD PFI expertise with an extensive record as a PFI equity investor.

Thales UK: UK government PFI/PPP experience, significant training provider and a leading MoD and DfT contractor

Sikorsky: S92 manufacturer and a world leader in the design and manufacture of military and commercial helicopters, with a long and distinguished pedigree in SAR.

David Rae, Soteria Bid Director, says: "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."

He goes on to highlight that: "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."