newstodate.aero
Sep 20, 2012 (newstodate): Time is running out for Air Greenland's operations with the aging Sikorsky S-61 helicopter, once the backbone of the carrier's traffic.
Only two out of earlier eight S-61 helicopters are now in commercial service, and Air Greenland expects to perform the very last passenger flight with this type of aircraft between Christmas and New Year 2012.
The demise of S-61 will leave a void in the SAR coverage of the vast Greenlandic waters, unless the contract with the Danish state is extended.
If no deal is reached, Air Greenland will ground the two aircraft, but if the current negotiations result in a renewed contract Air Greenland will operate and maintain the two choppers until the delivery of its two new Eurocopter EC225 Super Pumas in 2014.
-If a contract is not signed and sealed, I would be only happy to scrap the remaining two S-61 helicopters immediately from January 1, 2013, Michael Binzer, Air Greenland CEO, earlier told newstodate.
Only two out of earlier eight S-61 helicopters are now in commercial service, and Air Greenland expects to perform the very last passenger flight with this type of aircraft between Christmas and New Year 2012.
The demise of S-61 will leave a void in the SAR coverage of the vast Greenlandic waters, unless the contract with the Danish state is extended.
If no deal is reached, Air Greenland will ground the two aircraft, but if the current negotiations result in a renewed contract Air Greenland will operate and maintain the two choppers until the delivery of its two new Eurocopter EC225 Super Pumas in 2014.
-If a contract is not signed and sealed, I would be only happy to scrap the remaining two S-61 helicopters immediately from January 1, 2013, Michael Binzer, Air Greenland CEO, earlier told newstodate.