Darren Moncrieff, Managing Director of Aviation and Critical Services has recently gone one of one with APDR editor Kym Bergmann to discuss how Babcock has remained trusted to deliver during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following article was published in the Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter for their July-August 2020 edition (Vol.46 No.6). You can access the full issue here:
While COVID-19 may have stopped some companies in their tracks, that’s not the case for Babcock Australasia. If anything, it has shown how Babcock’s focussed determination to get the job done continues to provide steadfast support to its aviation customers in their vital work.
The recent resurgence of cases in Victoria and New South Wales has highlighted COVID-19’s ongoing impact. Far from eliminating the virus, community transmission has increased – it can reappear anywhere and require a rapid response.
Working in partnership with customers, Babcock Australasia’s aviation team has maintained operations since the start of the pandemic, providing critical services in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, to ensure emergencies are dealt with promptly and safely, with improved current procedures coupled with the introduction of new rigorous health and hygiene protocols.
Darren Moncrieff, Babcock’s Managing Director of Aviation and Critical Services, says Babcock’s response has been robust as well as reliable:
“Being part of a global organisation, we’ve been part of the global response to COVID-19 and it’s been amazing to see the innovation that has resulted,” he said.
“We’ve also played an integral role in supporting our customers here in Australia, ensuring they can keep flying and assisting the community safely and efficiently.”
Babcock’s customers continue to face the challenges of providing critical services such as air ambulance and search and rescue missions despite COVID-19 adding more layers of complexity, maintaining their operations with increased levels of safety and security.
Having adapted their own practices to ensure the health and safety of their own people and the community, they say Babcock has remained fully aligned with their enhanced measures.
“Babcock has shown enormous flexibility in providing an uninterrupted essential service,” said Tracey Tobias, Director Complex Care at Ambulance Victoria.
“I have been particularly impressed at Babcock’s continued collaboration with Ambulance Victoria, drawing on the experience of each organisation to refine, create and adapt processes to ensure the safety of our personnel and our patients.”
Babcock Australasia’s adaptability has also won praise from customers. Ian Rowan, CEO of CQ Rescue on the Capricorn Coast in Queensland, said: “The professionalism and flexibility of the Babcock staff has been outstanding and they have proven they have the resilience and resources to meet the challenges of this pandemic and normal operations.”
Mark Fewtrell, Executive Director of RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service, says that Babcock’s willingness to work with his organisation and Queensland Health on evaluating strategies in the event that crews were exposed to the virus was crucial in mitigation planning.
“As a client, Babcock’s response provided me with the necessary information and confidence from which to be able to provide assurance to key stakeholders, the community and the board of directors,” he said.
With a decision on LAND2097 on the horizon – Babcock has teamed with BellFlight to deliver the Special Forces Helicopter capability to the Australian Defence Force – Moncrieff says Babcock’s reputation for reliability throughout the COVID-19 pandemic strengthens the company’s bid.
“Babcock is responsive and adaptive, rising to the challenge to meet customer needs and community expectations,” he said. “We’re there when it counts.”