Precision Helicopters’ managing director Mark Hodgson confirmed yesterday his company had been given the go ahead to help wipe out the pest currently attacking one of Oman’s major agricultural crops, date palms.

Mr Hodgson said a delegation from Oman visited the local business recently, awarding Precision Helicopters the contract over several other Australian, New Zealand and South African operators who also tendered for the work.

He said the contract was initially for 12 months, with options to extend for five years.

“The company has grown and we’re excited to have won this contract,” Mr Hodgson said.

“Five or six of our staff will have to accompany the helicopters, but we’ve also employed more staff, which is great news, too”

Staff were yesterday dismantling the two JetRanger helicopters that will be sent to Oman.

“It’s all hands on deck as the packing gets under way,” Mr Hodgson said.

“The helicopters are to be partially dismantled and packed into shipping containers, along with spray booms and enough spare parts and self-contained field equipment to keep them going.”

Mr Hodgson said the company would have other helicopters based in Coffs Harbour to continue servicing regular clients and visitors to the Coffs Coast.

Precision Helicopters has been based at Coffs Harbour Regional Airport since 2003. The company was established in 1993 and moved from its Barraba base seven years ago.

The company has six helicopters – three are single-engine turbine used mostly for aerial work operations, one single-engine piston used for training and some light aerial work operations, and two twin-engine turbine craft for larger tasks.

The company provides a wide range of services, including aerial agriculture work, aerial spotting, aerial stock mustering, powerline work, feral and diseased animal control, sling load operations, flying training, aerial surveying, aerial photography and scenic joy flights.

Last year Precision Helicopters teamed up with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to ferry passengers to South Solitary Island during an open day on the significant Coffs Coast landmark.