Aran Islands helicopter firm hits out at ‘media inaccuracies’

Executive Helicopters — the preferred tender to provide an air service to the Aran Islands — has said it will offer a reliable, faster, and more efficient service.

Last month, Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Joe McHugh, announced that the company was the “preferred tenderer” for a four-year air service agreement, replacing Aer Arann which operated the service for more than 40 years. Islanders have vowed to fight the decision.

In a statement, Executive Helicopters hit out at “misguided commentary” from the media containing “many inaccuracies” concerning the tender.

It disputed claims it could not operate in poor weather conditions, noting that airplanes are not permitted by law to operate in worse weather than helicopters.

The statement pointed out the firm had been operating in the west of Ireland for almost 20 years without any problems and that helicopters service a range of offshore islands both in Ireland and Europe.

“The helicopters for the routes will have a greater passenger capacity than the existing Aer Arann Islander aircraft, will have similar luggage/cargo capacity, and can fly in a greater range and variety of weather conditions,” read the statement.