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ABC News
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National

Sea World Helicopters operations resume three months after the collision that killed four people

Sea World Helicopters is resuming its operations on the Gold Coast from today. (Supplied: Sea World Helicopters)

Operations have resumed at Sea World Helicopters just over three months after a deadly mid-air crash.

On January 2, Pilot Ash Jenkinson, British couple Ron and Diane Hughes, and Sydney woman Vanessa Tadros were killed when their helicopter collided with another. 

Nine other people were injured, three of them seriously.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Sea World Helicopters said its operations have resumed from the Sea World Park helipad.

"Sea World Helicopters safety systems have been fully assessed and approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and were cleared to operate some weeks ago," the statement said.

The January mid-air collision killed four and injured nine others. (AAP: Dave Hunt)

'Helicopter flying is what we do'

Sea World Helicopters director John Orr-Campbell said it has been a difficult day.

"We pay our deepest respect to Vanessa Tadros, Diane and Ron Hughes, our friend and late chief Sea World Helicopters pilot Ash Jenkinson, their families, and those who suffered physically and mentally in the accident," he said.

"I know Ash would have wanted to have been flying with us today.

"Helicopter flying is what we do.

"Our staff wanted to get back to work and continue to provide the service to those who want to fly with us."

A company spokesperson has confirmed Michael James, who was the pilot of the other helicopter, has not returned to operations. 

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the cause of the crash.

A preliminary report into the collision said the pilot of the helicopter coming in to land did not hear a call over the radio from the pilot taking off.

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