Madeira’s second firefighting helicopter was expected to arrive today, the 23rd of September, following the award of a contract worth up to €407,799.82 plus VAT to Helibravo-Aviação. The Portuguese Air Force has contracted the aircraft for the period from 1st October to 30th November, with the cost covered by the State.
The helicopter is expected to be based at the Regional Civil Protection Service’s air operations centre in Cancela, with Madeira Airport designated as an alternative location. Helibravo also operates the helicopter already funded by the Region.
The contract covers up to 61 days of availability and 172 flight hours. Of the maximum cost, €209,999.82 is for the aircraft’s availability and €197,800 is allocated to flying time, at €1,150 per hour. Additional hours or a longer period of availability may be requested under the contract.
The aircraft must be available seven days a week between sunrise and sunset. It can carry five passengers and drop at least 750 litres of water, as well as undertake observation and coordination flights and transport firefighting crews and equipment. Unlike Madeira’s existing helicopter, the new aircraft is not equipped for rescue missions.
The extra helicopter had previously been expected at the beginning of June. Its contracted service period now starts after the summer months and runs until the end of this year’s Special Rural Firefighting Deployment on 30th November. Although a separate report suggested it might become operational before 1st October, the signed contract specifies 1st October as the start date.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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