M van Schalkwyk accepts helicopter on behalf of SANParks

8 August 2006

Today South African National Parks (SANParks) took ownership of the AS350 B3
s/n 4091 helicopter at an official hand over ceremony held at Lanseria Airport
near Johannesburg. Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister, Marthinus van
Schalkwyk and SANParks Chief Executive Dr David Mabunda, both accepted the
helicopter on behalf of SANParks.

The helicopter is the first of two bought by SANParks in July 2006 and the
second will be delivered in December 2006. The sale negotiation involved a
trade-in of two EC 120 helicopters at a value of R5 577 600 each, with a total
cost of R17 256 727 per helicopter.

Speaking at the function, Minister Van Schalkwyk said he was delighted at
the acquisition. “Our protected areas are an integral part of world
conservation and biodiversity. In this regard, government supports this
investment, which will ensure preservation of our national heritage and its
accompanying natural resources for the benefit of all our citizens,” said
Minister Van Schalkwyk. He further said that this investment could not have
come at a more opportune time. “In the run up to important international events
like the 2010 World Soccer Cup, the country is currently busy revamping its
tourism infrastructure to ensure that these meet the required world
standards.”

The two EC 120 helicopters were bought in 1999, and had served their purpose
well in SANParks, flying more than 3 900 hours over six years. They had already
reached their optimum buy-back value, major routine and obligatory engine
overhaul, as a result SANParks made a decision to upgrade the helicopter fleet
by acquiring more versatile helicopters with advanced capabilities.

Dr Mabunda said, “SANParks is one of the biggest users of helicopters and we
are ecstatic to have the helicopter as an additional resource. Helicopters are
an essential tool in all our national parks as they are often used in day to
day park management activities, specialised and highly sensitive game capture
operations, fire fighting, anti-poaching and law enforcement, wildlife census
projects as well as emergency rescue operations.”

The AS350 B3 s/n 4091 helicopter is a “multi-role, reliable, fast and rugged
workhorse,” well equipped with “advanced systems such as dual channel FADEC,
vehicle and engine monitoring displays as well as integrated GPS”. With a sling
capacity of 1 400 kg, the AS350 B3 s/n 4091 features are essential for
manoeuvres which require “high performance, including “hot and high” missions
and sling work.”

“Safety is an important element of park management, conservation and
biodiversity management, and since the old helicopters had already reached
their optimum use, this is a good investment to SANParks, park management staff
and the animals,” added Dr Mabunda.

For more information contact:
Riaan Aucamp (Minister's spokesperson)
Cell: 083 778 9923

Wanda Mkutshulwa (Head: Communications - South African National Parks)
Cell: 082 908 2692
Tel: (012) 426 5201

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
8 August 2006
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (http://www.enviroment.gov.za)