One of the new AgustaWestland AW189 rescue helicopters. Photo: Bristow

A new civilian search and rescue helicopter base has begun operations in south-east England.

The Bristow-operated AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters under the control of the Coastguard took over rescue responsibilities at 1pm today.

The aircraft, smaller than the Sikorsky S-92s previously put into service, will be based at London Ashford Airport near Lydd in Kent.

Chief pilot at the new base is Captain Neil Robertson, a former Sea King pilot whose 17-year career in the RAF saw him serve as Flight Commander at RAF Wattisham’s search and rescue unit in Suffolk.

Since leaving the military he has spent the past six years flying offshore in support of oil and gas operations in the North Sea and most recently supporting SAR training and preparations for the new civilian service going live.

Captain Robertson said: “Everyone at the base feels privileged to be involved in delivering such an important, lifesaving service and we are looking forward to getting started.

“Close working relationships with the other emergency services in the area and the military are key to ensuring a smooth transition to the civilian service and we’re grateful for all the support we’ve received from them.”

Samantha Willenbacher, director of UK search and rescue at Bristow Helicopters, said: “It is an honour to have been chosen to deliver this vital service across the UK.

“I would like to thank all those who have supported us in our preparations for the service going live here at Lydd including London Ashford Airport, other local emergencies services personnel, the local community, and in particular our colleagues at RAF Wattisham who have taken the time to share their local knowledge and expertise with us.”

The Lydd base is the fourth to become operational under the 10-year civilian search and rescue contract that sees the military Sea King helicopters of the RAF and Royal Navy replaced by the Coastguard-liveried Sikorksy and AgustaWestland aircraft. Inverness, Humberside and Caernarfon bases have already entered the service.

Richard Parkes, director of maritime operations, said: “HM Coastguard has been providing search and rescue helicopter services in northern Scotland and southern England for over 30 years. I am immensely proud that our first civilian base in Kent will begin operations on Friday.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the outstanding work that RAF Wattisham has carried out over many decades, both inland and out to sea. We will ensure that their legacy is continued.”

Charles Buchanan, chief executive of London Ashford Airport, said: “Bristow Helicopters also currently provides SAR services on behalf of HM Coastguard at Stornoway, in the Western Isles, and Sumburgh, in Shetland which will continue throughout the UK SAR contract.”