Port chopper contract awarded
The contract is for a two-year period, with an option to renew for a further three years.
DENEL Aviation has been awarded the tender for the port helicopter pilotage services at Richards Bay and Durban.
THE announcement was made on Wednesday by Transnet National Ports Authority chief executive, Tau Morwe.
However, while the Durban operation was up and running, there was no sight of a chopper in the air at Richards Bay.
TNPA said it would be in operation today (Thursday).
The contract is for a two-year period, with an option to renew for a further three years.
‘In terms of the contract Denel Aviation will provide a total package of aviation solutions to TNPA,’ said Morwe.
‘This includes providing the Authority’s 17 cadet helicopter pilots, who have completed their courses and achieved their commercial helicopter pilot’s licence, with practical experience.
‘Denel will also continue training TNPA’s six trainee helicopter engineers who have already completed the first year of their course at the Denel Technical Academy.
‘The contract is structured in such a way that for the first year, the service will be undertaken entirely by Denel pilots.
‘Thereafter, the ratio will reduce by 20% per year for the next four years after which TNPA will take over the service,’ said Morwe.
