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Bristow- State of the Art Helicopters and Piarco Facility for Oil and Gas Rig Crews

Monday September 16 2013: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - Since oil and gas exploration in Trinidad and Tobago has moved further into deep water, rig crews will now benefit from state-of-the-art transportation offered to and from their platforms by Bristow Caribbean Limited (Bristow) with the newly acquired Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters.

Bristow demonstrated the modern capabilities of the new aircraft to a large gathering which included Senator the Honourable Kevin Ramnarine, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Messrs. Kimchand Rampaul, Chairman, and Ramesh Lutchmedial, Director General of the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority and executives from the energy sector companies.

The event took place recently at the Main Concourse of the South Terminal, Piarco International Airport

To the delight of the gathering, Bristow also unveiled the company's plan for a new operationally efficient Facility at Piarco which is expected to be completed within 18 months at a cost of TT$ 100 million. The ceremony also included a cutting of the cake which represented a replica of the Facility.

Bristow is proud to bring its expertise in search and rescue (SAR) capabilities and swift and safe helicopter evacuation procedures to its offshore passenger community thus building capacity in the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

The AW139 aircraft would further enhance these capabilities since it surpasses all other aircraft in its weight class in versatility, performance, productivity and comfort. It is a new generation, medium, twin-turbine helicopter, designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, ideal for its purpose within the scope of the energy sector.

This vehicle has the best power reserve compared to any other helicopter in its engine class. Its Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turbines, together with a state-of-the-art 5-blade main rotor, deliver a high cruise speed in demanding conditions and at all weights carried.

Search and Rescue crews will also make good use of the AW139's greater cruise speed especially with the aircraft's exceptional OEI (One Engine Inoperability) capability. The ability of this aircraft to reduce pilot workload and operate in the toughest conditions will ensure Search and Rescue crews achieve their missions safely and efficiently.

ENDS

About Bristow Caribbean Limited (Bristow)

Bristow Caribbean Limited commenced operation in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 1960. The company was incorporated in 1974.

Bristow Caribbean Limited is the pioneer provider for offshore transportation to the oil industry furnishing safe, efficient and economical aviation services in an exemplary manner with a well documented safety record. The company operates a fleet of 10 aircraft and offers scheduled and nonscheduled offshore flights, LimSAR Services, Pipeline Patrol, VIP Transport, Photography Flights and operates a Medevac aircraft outfitted with litters, trauma team and support equipment which is available day or night.

Bristow Caribbean Limited has the largest helicopter resource capability in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the region in terms of number of aircraft, pilots, engineers, infrastructure and overall competencies, including the most comprehensive winch operation within Trinidad and Tobago. Our team is predominantly a local one comprising 80% of our employee base and consists of the most skilled and experienced helicopter industry staff in the region.

The company is located at the Piarco International Airport and will soon be commencing construction of a multi-purpose state-of-the-art facility which is expected to be completed in December 2014.

Bristow has been the service provider of choice for a number of leading companies operating in the local and regional energy sector and has maintained excellent working relationships with those government o agencies with which it interacts. The company is committed to aggressively supporting and investing in the success of the national energy sector, the country and its people.

Bristow Caribbean Limited is part of the Bristow global organization which currently operates an extensive fleet of over 450 aircraft worldwide from 48 bases employing over 3,500 employees including over 1,700 experienced pilots and engineers. Bristow operates from every continent around the world providing operational and geographic capabilities that are unmatched in the helicopter industry.

Bristow's excellence in Search and Rescue was further endorsed in March 2013 when the BritishGovernment awarded to Bristow the first ever contract for the privatization of the UK Ministry of Defence Search and Rescue Service. The contract will come into effect in April 2015 and run until 2026.

 

SWF&Co.