AgustaWestland.

AgustaWestland has announced the official launch of Phase II of the Sea Kin q Integrated Operational Support (SKIOS) contract. SKIOS Phase II introduces payment by the flying hour arrangements, emulating the IMOS contract for the UK Mob s fleet of Merlin helicopters signed in early 2006. SKIOS Phase II also includes an aircraft availability output responsibility for UK military SAR aircraft that provide around-the-clock SAR cover for the UK and Falkland Islands. The value of the contract for the first five years is 660 million [euro] (470 million [pounds sterling]), with the potential of rising to 1.12 billion [euro] (800 million [pounds sterling]) over 10 years. The contract is expected to run for the remaining service life of the Sea King fleet. Under the contract the UK MoD will transfer responsibility to AgustaWestland for Sea King Depth Maintenance located at DARA Fleetlands and the Second Line Workshops activities located at RNAS Yeovilton. AgustaWestland will also be responsible for providing 1st Line Maintenance Services for the SAR Sea Kings at eight bases comprising Wattisham Airfield RAF Lossiemouth, DST Leconfield, RMB Chivenor, RAF Boulmer, RAF Valley, HMS Gannet and Mount Pleasant Airfield, Falkland Islands. Transfer of responsibility for the above activities will take place over the next six months as part of the SKIOS Phase II transition plan. AgustaWestland will continue to provide technical and spares support services introduced under Phase I of SKIOS.