AAR helos continue to fly in Afghanistan

• Tweet

WOOD DALE, Ill., Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Airlift support for the U.S. military and NATO in Afghanistan will continue to be provided by the AAR Airlift Group through next October, the company announced.

The U.S. Transportation Command, it said, exercised two contract renewal options. The first option, valued at $99 million, is part of a task order awarded in October 2010. The second, worth $51 million, is part of an order given in August.

AAR Airlift provides helicopters and related personnel, equipment and maintenance in Afghanistan to transport personnel, cargo and mail. The company said it would use 12 aircraft in support of the awards -- three Bell 214ST helicopters, seven Sikorsky S-61s and two Sikorsky S-92s.

"We are very proud to provide airlift for the U.S. government and its allies as an integral part of our nation's transportation and logistics capability in this austere environment," said Randy J. Martinez, vice president for AAR's Government and Defense Services segment.

"This renewal reflects the dedication and outstanding work of our pilots and support personnel and the confidence that they've earned from both the U.S. Transportation Command and Department of Defense."