Gulf Helicopters confirms 15 AW189 orders

Doha-based Gulf helicopters has signed a preliminary contract for 15 AW189 helicopters which it proposes to use for offshore transport missions. 

These will join The company already operates 13 AW139s with five more on order and has its own full flight simulator for the aircraft.

The deal was signed at the HAI conference in Texas.

Bruno Spagnolini, Chief Executive Officer, AgustaWestland, said “It gives us great pleasure to add Gulf Helicopters to the list of customers who have now chosen the AW189 to meet their future long range operational requirements only a few months after its official launch in June 2011 and its first flight in December 2011. We are delighted with the initial market response to the AW189 which enables us to offer a complete range of state-of-the-art helicopters for the commercial market. Gulf Helicopters is a major operator of the AW139 and we are confident that the AW189 will deliver the same high levels of mission capability, performance, safety and cost effectiveness.”

The AW189 was launched in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole helicopter in the 8-tonne class and has rapidly found success for long range missions, especially in the offshore oil and gas market. It made its first flight in December.

Entering service in early 2014, the twin engine AW189 helicopter will be optimised for the long range offshore transport and SAR missions. The spacious cabin is configured with 16 seats as standard with the option for a high density 18 seat layout or a long range 12 seat configuration.

The cockpit design, incorporating the latest in advanced situational awareness technologies, reduces crew workload and enhances safety. It will meet the very latest international regulatory safety requirements (EASA / FAA Part 29, JAR OPS 3 / EU-OPS).

Gulf Helicopters is owned by Qatar Petroleum, through the holding company, Gulf International Services and General Public of State of Qatar.

Gulf Helicopters has been providing helicopter services since 1970.

Article Source : Arabian Aerospace