Mike Imlach, Bristow Helicopters Europe business unit director, met David Hastings, the new chairman of IABP.
 
In March Bristow was announced as the successful bidder for the UK SAR contract by the secretary of state for transport, Patrick McLoughlin (MP). The contract will come into effect in April 2015 and run until 2026.

 
Bristow, which has submitted plans to build a new training facility and base at IABP, joins Bond Helicopters as the park’s second aviation tenant.
 
Hastings said: “Today I heard more detail of Bristow’s plans  and very much look forward to welcoming Bristow to Inverness Airport Business Park.
 
“It is our intention to secure further aviation tenants for the airside zone of the park. With two of the UK’s leading helicopter operators we will build a reputation as a high quality facility with great access to Inverness Airport’s aviation facilities.”
 
Imlach added: “We will be making significant investment at IABP as we prepare to take over the UK SAR contract in 2015. Bristow Helicopters Ltd is committed to sourcing our infrastructure, ongoing maintenance and suppliers locally, which will create new opportunities for businesses and SMEs in the area.
 
“We anticipate significant direct and indirect job creation.”
 
Inverness Airport is a joint venture between Highlands and Islands Airports, Moray Estates and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, with the support of The Highland Council.
 
Overlooking the Moray Firth and adjacent to Inverness Airport, IABP offers 250-Hectares of development land with outline planning permission for 3.5m sq ft. It is anticipated over 700 people could be working on the site in seven years and over 1,200 in the next decade.

IABP’s David Hastings (left) with Mike Imlach, Bristow Helicopters Europe business unit director