Bermuda Helicopters are to stay in business despite shipping their only chopper off to the US, so an aircraft can be kept on standby for Island emergencies.

The Airport-based firm, which operated the 120 mph JetRanger, and Bermuda Aviation Leasing have decided not to wind up so a helicopter could be brought back on request.

Spokesman Mike Smatt, co-owner of the $350,000 chopper, said a twin engine helicopter or fixed wing plane could be made available for Bermuda at short notice.

The original plan for the outgoing helicopter was to display it to potential buyers at the Air Trade Centre in Bristol, Tennessee.

But now the aircraft will be kept out of mothballs and should win a 1,000-hour contract in the US, because of its infra-red sensoring capabilities.

Mr. Smatt said contract talks were at an advanced stage and negotiations were now being concluded.

The chopper -- flown into Hamilton Docks yesterday -- is finally due to leave Bermuda on the MV Oleander on Tuesday, after the on-off saga of whether or not it could be saved.

Mr. Smatt added: "Bermuda Helicopters Ltd., the operators, and Bermuda Aviation Leasing, the owners, want to make it quite clear that they shall continue as viable entities and they are capable of providing a twin-engine helicopter or fixed wing aircraft at any time, should the Government deem it necessary.

"If they wanted an aircraft, we would be in a position to buy or lease one and if the helicopter was not carrying out contract work, it could be brought back temporarily.

"Our message is that we are available and a service can be provided if necessary.'' It means Bermuda would be without an instant air-sea rescue capability but Government would still have access to helicopter flights for tourism, fisheries or Police missions.

Mr. Smatt added: "There have been several developments since our initial announcement that the helicopter would leave.

"There was approval in principle for a contract with the Police Service and the Minister of Transport also agreed to approach Fisheries, Tourism and Rescue Co-ordination on our behalf for a joint contract.'' But he said plans to save the helicopter were shot down because the Director of Civil Aviation would not waive strict UK air guidelines, stopping single-engine aircraft flying more than six miles from Bermuda's shores.

There are also severe restrictions on night flights for a helicopter registered for public transport.

But the British Foreign Office has promised it would consider any formal request from Bermuda for an air-sea rescue service.

And Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness revealed a UK Ministry of Defence official would soon visit Bermuda in an effort to beef up the Island's air-sea power.

The Bermuda Regiment has also indicated it could operate a helicopter or sign up for joint operations with Bermuda Marine Police.

Container Ship Management spokesman Robert Lewis confirmed the helicopter had been booked on Tuesday's departure of the Oleander .

He added: "We've flown in a 40-foot mafi to transport it and the helicopter should be flown down to the docks to prepare for loading some time on Sunday.''