Helicopter Firms Make Move to Newquay Airport

03.12.2010

British International Helicopters (BIH) has established a new aircraft engineering centre at Newquay Airport, creating 20 new engineering jobs.

Penzance-based BIH, which operates flights from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly, undertakes its own maintenance and has also diversified into providing third party helicopter and fixed wing maintenance services and training.

Tony Jones, the managing director of BIH, told Business Cornwall: "This is a significant move for the company and underlines our commitment to staying in the region and creating skilled employment opportunities for local people."

BIH's decision to move to the airport follows an announcement by helicopter giant Agusta Westland earlier this year, that it was setting up operations at Newquay Airport.

Airport managing director Al Titterington said: "We are thrilled to see another big name aerospace company starting operations here. Aerospace companies can clearly see the benefits of operating at Newquay."

Carolyn Rule from Cornwall Council told the BBC: "It will bring in revenue to the airport and, crucially, much-needed high quality jobs."

The relocation, to be completed by the end of the year, follows an announcement earlier this week that the country's first air ambulance was granted planning permission for a new operations facility at Newquay Airport.

Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust (CAAT) has been given the go ahead by Cornwall Council to build its new base on the periphery of the airport after councilors unanimously backed the scheme.
It is hoped that an announcement will be made soon on funding allowing a principal contractor to be appointed early in the new year.

The new environmental friendly building will include accommodation for the paramedic aircrew and pilot, together with medical stores and specialised clinical cleaning rooms, while the hanger will house a workshop for the engineers.

At the same time the fundraising team will move from its present offices near Roche to occupy the same building, bringing everyone involved in the charity together for the first time.

Ms Martin added: "There are still quite a few hurdles to jump, but assuming everything goes to plan, we would hope to move in before Christmas next year."

Further information please visit www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org