Mr. Eugene Clonan:

CHC Ireland won the contract. There was a process whereby it took over each base progressively. The contract award included S-92s, which replaced the old S-61s. The S-61s were very capable, but some of them had been flying since 1960, so were quite old aircraft. The S-92s were new aircraft. They are faster and more sophisticated and can fly in worse weather conditions. That is why we have them.

Regarding the Agusta, I was not involved in the contract process for the S-92, so I do not have the detail of the bits and pieces, but the requirement was to fly out 200 miles, remain on scene, take up a fishing vessel crew of approximately 17 people on the winch, and fly home again. The Agusta is a smaller helicopter.