newstodate.aero
Nov 09, 2012 (newstodate): The work-horse in Greenland's aviation, the Sikorsky S-61 helicopter will probably have its life extended after Air Greenland performs the last S-61 passenger flight between Christmas and New Year's eve.
The S-61 plays a crucial role in the provision of search & rescue services in Greenland, but without a new contract for this service Air Greenland will phase out the helicopter from January 1, 2013.
Negotiations between Air Greenland and Danish authorities are now reportedly entering the decisive phase, but expectations are that a solution will be found allowing Air Greenland to continue the S-61 operations until the delivery of two new Eurocopter EC225 Super Pumas in 2014.
Only two out of earlier eight S-61 helicopters are now in commercial service with air Greenland.
The S-61 plays a crucial role in the provision of search & rescue services in Greenland, but without a new contract for this service Air Greenland will phase out the helicopter from January 1, 2013.
Negotiations between Air Greenland and Danish authorities are now reportedly entering the decisive phase, but expectations are that a solution will be found allowing Air Greenland to continue the S-61 operations until the delivery of two new Eurocopter EC225 Super Pumas in 2014.
Only two out of earlier eight S-61 helicopters are now in commercial service with air Greenland.