AURIGA Group today (31 May) announced the renewal of a major long-term contract with the Pilbara Ports Authority, set to extend well into the 2030s.
The contract, for aviation marine pilot transfer services in Port Hedland, will see two new Airbus H135 Helionix helicopters added to Auriga Aviation fleet to support the new agreement.
Trent Lonsdale, CEO Auriga Group said: “We are very pleased to continue our professional trusted partnership with Pilbara Ports. Auriga is dedicated to providing the highest quality service possible for our clients, and this renewed contract allows us to demonstrate our sustained commitment and continued ability to deliver on our promises”.
Port Hedland notched up 3289 vessel visits in FY 2022-23, the vast majority of which involved each-way pilotage. Pilots are provided by PPA and the privately-owned Port Hedland Pilots.
Auriga Group also proclaimed their intention to support Indigenous communities local to the Pilbara region by offering targeted scholarships for Indigenous first officers, as well as apprentice engineer positions exclusively for Indigenous candidates.
Auriga Aviation’s CCO Keith Thompson said: “We are extremely proud that we can offer these opportunities. We must support local Indigenous communities where possible, and along with other career pathways and community initiatives, I am confident that these initiatives will make a real difference”.
Auriga Group says it will continue providing “safe and efficient solutions” through various operating divisions while expanding its operations throughout Australia.
The Port of Port Hedland achieved a monthly throughput of 50.1million tonnes in April, of which 49.4Mt was iron ore exports. This was a 14% increase to total throughput compared to April 2023.
Imports through the port totalled 180,000t, a decrease of 9% compared to April 2023.
