Volume 7 Number 2 April/May 2013 Blue sky thinking UK determines future SAR direction PLATFORM ACTIVITY A PRICE FOR INDUSTRY CENTRE WORTH PAYING? Sikorsky’s Mick Maurer Latin American focus AgustaWestland’s AW609 www.rotorhub.com RH_AprMay13_OFC.indd 1 28/03/2013 14:49:23 THANK YOU FOR MAKING MILESTONE AVIATION GROUP THE LARGEST HELICOPTER LESSOR IN THE WORLD. Thanks to our more than 20 world-class operating partners, Milestone has leased over 85 helicopters valued at over US$ 1.3 billion. These aircraft, which vary from the light-twin AW109 to the heavy-twin EC225, are serving mission-critical contracts in 20 countries around the world. We are excited to continue to support our customers’ growth and look forward to providing them with additional liquidity in 2013. We are actively looking to increase our partnerships with high-quality operators in O&G, SAR, HEMS, para-public, mining and other utility missions. If you wish to explore whether your company can benefit from the 100% operating lease financing that Milestone provides please contact us. Please contact us to learn how we can support you. Phone: +353 1 205 1400 / +1 614 233 2300 PROVIDING OVER $1.3 BILLION Email:
[email protected] Web: www.milestoneaviation.com IN OPERATING LEASE FINANCING RH_AprMay13_IFC.indd 2 28/03/2013 14:15:04 Rotorhub_ April 2013.indd 1 27/03/2013 18:04:41 ROTORHUB CONTENTS 1 CONTENTS 38 Volume 7 Number 2 April/May 2013 Comment 3 News 4 • AgustaWestland bullish about future despite Indian accusations Offshore focus: Mexican waves 31 • Thales outlines avionics upgrades With the Mexican oil industry thriving, offshore • Bristow wins UK SAR contract as privatisation helicopter operators are vying for the latest Cover story 6 process finally concludes contracts.