German Navy pilots will be trained on Portland as part of the deal. Picture: HeliOps

German Navy pilots to be trained in Dorset as part of £141 million deal

Paul JonesNovember 8, 20240 Comment0

GERMAN Navy helicopter pilots are set to be trained in Dorset as part of a new £141 million project.

HeliOperations has won a contract to provide comprehensive training for German Navy helicopter pilots over seven years at its base on Portland – securing and creating new jobs.

The contract, awarded by the German Ministry of Defence, will see German naval pilots trained to operate the NH90 Sea Lion and Sea Tiger helicopters at Osprey Quay, a former Royal Navy Air Station.

Training will include theoretical instruction, advanced simulator sessions, and practical live flight instruction by day and night, using HeliOperations’ growing AW139 fleet.

The firm said training will commence immediately, alongside the construction of approved infrastructure at the Portland site.

Steve Gladston, CEO and founder of HeliOperations, said: “This contract reflects the German MOD’s confidence in our ability to provide the highest standards of training, service and support and solidifies HeliOperations’ position as a leading provider of civil and military aviation training services.

“We are committed to supporting the German Navy’s evolving operational needs and are hugely proud of our reputation for excellence. The contract is a key milestone in the company’s continuing development.”