Rex has partnered with Heli Resources to provide helicopter services for the Australian Antarctic Division's upcoming aerial program tender. Heli Resources brings over 40 years of experience and 35,000 flying hours in the Antarctic, making them the ideal partner for Rex's complementary helicopter capability.
The scope of the aerial program includes large passenger jets, turboprop aircraft, and twin-engine helicopters.
The partnership is a critical element of Rex's preparation for the upcoming Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) tender for one operator to bring together and command all the specialized aerial operations to support its operations in the frozen continent.
The AAD released a Request for Information (RFI) in July that outlined the scope of the aerial program and what it was looking for from prospective operators. This is in preparation for a formal tender process expected to begin in November this year, where Rex will be a prime candidate for the program's aerial operator role.
Under the agreement announced last week, Rex will serve as the prime contractor and Heli Resources as the sub-contractor for the helicopter operation, which fits the concept of Rex pulling together the expertise and resources to service the multi-faceted aerial requirement.
Heli Resources has been operating in the Antarctic for more than 40 years and clocked up more than 35,000 flying hours in that challenging environment. During that time, it has supported the Antarctic programs of nations including Australia, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, China, and Pakistan.