Cayman CAA gets into helicopter business

(CNS): CHC Helicopter, an offshore helicopter services provider, has entered into a partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI), according to a news release on the international wire services. The firm states that this new partnership will provide CHC Helicopter with the opportunity to obtain and maintain a Cayman Islands Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to conduct offshore operations in several foreign jurisdictions worldwide. The Cayman Islands AOC was issued to CHC Helicopter on Monday and two inaugural CHC AS332L2 Super Puma aircraft have reportedly now been transferred to the Cayman Islands Register and will start offshore operations in South America.

The helicopter firm, which is described as world’s largest commercial helicopter company servicing the world’s offshore oil and gas sector, said its operating structure, content and standards are closely aligned with the CAACI Air Regulations. Having issued an AOC to the helicopter firm, the CAACI says it diversifies its base of private and corporate aircraft and will offer an opportunity to expand and diversify the aviation register.

"We are very pleased to be associated with CHC Helicopter, a company whose embedded safety culture exemplifies quality air transport operations that leads the aviation industry," said Richard Smith, Director-General of the CAACI. "Their credible reputation in the global aviation industry underscores the selective nature with which the CAACI accepts registrants to the Cayman Islands Aircraft Registry."

William Amelio, president and CEO of CHC Helicopter, said that CAACI can provide the flexibility and scope needed for its operations."I am proud that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands and CHC has agreed to such a mutually beneficial arrangement," he added.

The CHC Helicopter group of companies said it is the world-leader in the provision of civilian search-and-rescue operations, with major contracts in the UK, Ireland and Australia and a world leader in helicopter maintenance through its Delta, British Columbia-based division, Heli-One.