newstodate.aero
May 18, 2011 (newstodate): The window is narrowing for the decision by
Air Greenland to order new large helicopters to replace the current S-61
operations.
The two remaining S-61 helicopters are to be phased out in 2012,
with one to go by September and the other to follow before the end of
the year.
-The issue has been repeatedly high-lighted in recent years' annual
reports, but no decision has yet been reached, says Michael Binzer, Air Greenland CEO.
-The alternatives are either the EC225 or the S-92, but in either
case Air Greenland will need firm, longer-term contracts with
Greenland's Home Rule Government, off-shore and other customers to
secure the operational economy before we can place an order.
-We are well aware that it will normally require around two years
lead time from contract to delivery, so the situation is highly urgent.
-Another main feature in our current fleet planning is the need to
reduce the number of aircraft types to optimize crew utilization and
aircraft maintenance. Thus, we have phased out four types of aircraft in
2010, while we have so far added two Bombardier Dash 8 Q200, with a third
to be delivered in September 2011. A few more of this will probably be
needed at a later stage.
-Underlying the decisions on our future fleet planning remains the
crucial issue of the future airport infrastructure in Greenland which,
however, is a government issue outside our range. Among the important
topics to be settled is the question of our Atlantic gateways, as well
as the future role of Nuuk Airport, says Mr Binzer.
Air Greenland to order new large helicopters to replace the current S-61
operations.
The two remaining S-61 helicopters are to be phased out in 2012,
with one to go by September and the other to follow before the end of
the year.
-The issue has been repeatedly high-lighted in recent years' annual
reports, but no decision has yet been reached, says Michael Binzer, Air Greenland CEO.
-The alternatives are either the EC225 or the S-92, but in either
case Air Greenland will need firm, longer-term contracts with
Greenland's Home Rule Government, off-shore and other customers to
secure the operational economy before we can place an order.
-We are well aware that it will normally require around two years
lead time from contract to delivery, so the situation is highly urgent.
-Another main feature in our current fleet planning is the need to
reduce the number of aircraft types to optimize crew utilization and
aircraft maintenance. Thus, we have phased out four types of aircraft in
2010, while we have so far added two Bombardier Dash 8 Q200, with a third
to be delivered in September 2011. A few more of this will probably be
needed at a later stage.
-Underlying the decisions on our future fleet planning remains the
crucial issue of the future airport infrastructure in Greenland which,
however, is a government issue outside our range. Among the important
topics to be settled is the question of our Atlantic gateways, as well
as the future role of Nuuk Airport, says Mr Binzer.