30 July 2012 Last updated at 05:49 ET

Bond, Bristow and CHC Helicopter to bid for air rescue

Civilian contractors will eventually take over from the Royal Navy and RAF

Three companies are to compete for contracts to provide search and rescue helicopter services in the UK.

The winner, or winners, would take over roles provided by the Royal Navy and RAF and operate from sites across the UK.

Bond Offshore Helicopters, Bristow Helicopters and CHC Helicopter are on the shortlist published by the Department of Transport.

The UK government expects to announce the winners early next year.

The companies are each bidding for three lots, which include covering coastguard duties.

Lot one is to deliver the service at, or near, Sumburgh, Stornoway, Culdrose, Leconfield and Valley using helicopters with a minimum rescue capacity of eight casualties per aircraft.

Lot two is to deliver the service from Lee-on-the-Solent and at, or near, Chivenor, Prestwick, Lossiemouth and Wattisham using helicopters with a minimum rescue capacity per aircraft of four casualties per aircraft.

Lot three is a contract covering the requirements of both lots one and two.