HeliOperations £141m deal to train German Navy pilots

HeliOperations has announced that it has been awarded a seven-year contract by the German Ministry of Defence to train the country's naval pilots in preparation for operating the NH90 Sea Lion and Sea Tiger helicopters.

It said the contract is worth €170m (£141m).

It is a major extension and development to what HeliOps has been doing at its Osprey Quay site, which the firm purchased in 2016, and continues the area's long history with aircraft operations.

The company said the deal was 'great news for the local economy' and secures the future of helicopters at the base.

A spokesperson said a number of jobs will be created - securing existing roles and creating 'technical opportunities' for the local area come the new year.

"It's going to bring a lot of skills and investment into the area," the spokesperson said.

(Image: Debs Baker) Steve Gladston, CEO and founder of HeliOperations, said: "This contract reflects the German MOD’s confidence in our ability to provide the highest standards of training, service and support and solidifies HeliOperations’ position as a leading provider of civil and military aviation training services.

"We are committed to supporting the German Navy’s evolving operational needs and are hugely proud of our reputation for excellence. The contract is a key milestone in the company’s continuing development."

Steve Gladston signing the deal (Image: HeliOperations)

Flying training will include theoretical instruction, advanced simulator sessions, and practical live flight training by day and night using HeliOperations’ growing AW139 fleet.

The Mayor of Portland Sheila Miles is thrilled with the deal.

She said: "It is absolutely fantastic. We needed some good news.

"We tend to feel like we get dumped on a lot with the incinerator and the barge, and this is just absolutely fantastic. 

"It is just part of the island culture to have the helicopters there. Very much congratulations to HeliOperations."

Portland helicopter base at Osprey Quay. Picture: Geoff Moore/Dorset Media Service.

MP for South Dorset Lloyd Hatton said: "Congratulations to HeliOperations on being awarded this significant contract. I am delighted that the German government have given this major vote of confidence in our workforce and in our expertise."

He added: "I will continue to do everything I can to support local businesses and protect local jobs." 

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HeliOps will take care of the development and maintenance of training infrastructure, accommodation and transport of personnel.

Osprey Quay is a former Royal Naval Air Station. Part of the site later became a Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter base.

(Image: HeliOperations)

In 2016 HeliOprations won the contract for the site after it was announced that the Maritime Coastguard Agency was to vacate the base.

Planning permission was granted to create a new hangar at HeliOperations’ Portland base in 2021.

The iconic orange and grey helicopters can constantly be seen flying over the area and have become a well-liked feature.

A Facebook group entitled "Portland HeliOperations Supporters" has more than 5,000 members.