UK Search and Rescue sold to US

In a deal estimated to be worth £1,6 billion, the UK's Search and Rescue service has been sold to a US company based in Texas, who will assume responsibility from 2015 to 2026.

Traditionally the service has been carried out by the RAF and Navy, for the last 70 years, who have been flying aging helicopters that would need replacing in the near future but this deal with the Bristow Group, experienced and to include the latest models of helicopters, will ensure the UK coast is covered with hitech helicopters, software and equipment. The Government will not have to bear the cost of financing new stock also, very much in keeping with their current economic plans.

This is not a company new to the air rescue business, they have been present in Europe for 50 years, are already operating in the UK, providing North sea oil transport services and rescue cover to many other countries around the globe.