Search and Rescue (SAR)

Helicopters are perfectly suited to the search-and-rescue mission and have dominated this sector for decades. SAR helicopters are heavily customised with equipment such as FLIR cameras, advanced communication systems and rescue hoists.

Sector developments

The civilian SAR mission has traditionally been delivered by the military. A few countries have commercialised their SAR operations (e.g. UK, Ireland and Norway). A wider global trend towards commercialisation of SAR services has been long expected but has not yet developed. Perhaps post-pandemic pressure on government defense budgets might push more countries towards commercialising SAR services.

Commercialisation of SAR services

Commercial SAR contracts are issued almost exclusively issued by governments and for very long periods (around 10 years). Both the UK and Irish governments are about to commence a re-tendering process for their commercial SAR contracts.

Helicopter types

The leading commercial SAR helicopters are the S-92, AW189, AS332/H225 and AW139. The H175 has strong SAR potential, but only a limited deployment at this stage.

Lobo have been an excellent partner to Omni, consistently delivering the lease products we need for the business. We appreciate their quick responses, enthusiasm to find solutions and very efficient processes.

Ernst Nassl CEO
Wiking Helikopter Service

To be successful in uncertain times requires a degree of flexibility and innovation. Lobo has taken the time to understand our requirements and our market opportunities and has worked with us collaboratively and pragmatically to create leasing structures that manage risks for both parties and position us to respond to some very demanding client requirements. It certainly feels that we have a leasing partner in the true sense.

Ernst Nassl CEO
Wiking Helikopter Service

The team at Lobo are true partners in an ever changing helicopter landscape. We value their support and diligence during trying times.

Ernst Nassl CEO
Wiking Helikopter Service

We value Lobo as our partner for professional, flexible and customized helicopter leasing solutions. Lobo is helping us to deliver on our commitments of safety and reliability and to achieve our commercial targets.

Ernst Nassl CEO
Wiking Helikopter Service
Project

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Lobo have been an excellent partner to Omni, consistently delivering the lease products we need for the business. We appreciate their quick responses, enthusiasm to find solutions and very efficient processes.

Roberto Coimbra
CEO
Omni Táxi Aéreo

To be successful in uncertain times requires a degree of flexibility and innovation. Lobo has taken the time to understand our requirements and our market opportunities and has worked with us collaboratively and pragmatically to create leasing structures that manage risks for both parties and position us to respond to some very demanding client requirements. It certainly feels that we have a leasing partner in the true sense.

Adrian Dearing
Chief Financial Officer
Everett Aviation

The team at Lobo are true partners in an ever changing helicopter landscape. We value their support and diligence during trying times.

Martin Steynberg
Executive Chairman
Titan Helicopters

We value Lobo as our partner for professional, flexible and customized helicopter leasing solutions. Lobo is helping us to deliver on our commitments of safety and reliability and to achieve our commercial targets.

Ernst Nassl
CEO
Wiking Helikopter Service