Offshore

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Airbus Helicopters and PHI sign for 20 H175 and 8 H160 helicopters.

Posted by dgualdo on 12/09/2023
Posted in: Airbus Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Marignane, 12 September 2023

Airbus Helicopters and PHI Group (PHI) have signed a framework agreement that includes commitments for 20 super-medium H175 helicopters and 8 H160s to serve the energy market worldwide, including in the US.

These 28 state-of-the-art helicopters will better position PHI to respond to the energy market’s expected growing offshore transportation needs.These commitments are composed of firm orders as well as purchase options that PHI may exercise during the course of the framework agreement.

“PHI strives to lead the industry in operating the safest and most reliable fleet of helicopters.  This agreement is a component of our broader strategy to bring new technology into an industry that has experienced a strong rebound after years of underinvestment.  We look forward to our continued partnership with Airbus as we prepare to enter these aircraft into service with our customers around the world,” said Scott McCarty, CEO of PHI Group.

“We are proud of our ongoing partnership with PHI, a company recognized in the industry for its leadership in innovation and safety. We thank them for renewing their confidence in the H160 and for adding the H175, for their long-range missions, to their growing fleet. At a time when passenger safety, economic competitiveness, and energy efficiency are key to conquering any market, the H160 and the H175 are reliable options for the years to come and we look forward to supporting their operations worldwide,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. 

PHI has been supporting the energy industry for 74 years. Today, PHI operates over 200 helicopters across the globe serving a number of markets, including energy and air medical.  PHI’s Airbus fleet consists of H125, H135, H145, H160 and H175 family helicopters – with the H175 being the latest addition.

In service since 2015, Airbus’ H175 belongs to the super-medium class of helicopters, combining long-range with smooth flight qualities, making it the perfect solution for several mission profiles, including offshore crew change, public services, and  private and business aviation. 54 H175s currently in service have accumulated around 195,000 flight hours, of which 170,000 are flying for the energy sector.

Designed as a multi-role helicopter capable of performing a wide range of missions, the H160 integrates Airbus’ latest technological innovations. With its light maintenance plan, the H160 optimises operating costs and offers a new standard in availability. The helicopter is powered by two of the latest Arrano engines from Safran Helicopter Engines that offer a 15% reduction in fuel burn. Both the H175 and H160 are already certified to fly with as much as 50% sustainable aviation fuel

Leonardo: SonAir orders two AW139 helicopters to strengthen energy industry support operations in Angola.

Posted by dgualdo on 10/08/2022
Posted in: Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Rome  01 August 2022 15:18

  • Two AW139s plus options, with support and training services, with deliveries expected in 1Q 2023
  • Over the last eight years, Leonardo has been the only manufacturer to expand its presence in the African offshore market, almost doubling the number of its aircraft
  • Over 1,250 AW139s on order in 80 countries by 290 customers across all mission sets 

Leonardo announced today that SonAir Airline Services, S.A. (SonAir), owned by the Angolan national petroleum company Sonangol, has placed an order for two AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters.

The contract includes a comprehensive customer support and training package as well as options for an additional two aircraft. The AW139s will be used to carry out transport operations supporting the national Oil & Gas industry and replacing ageing helicopters, with deliveries expected in 1Q 2023.  

The Angolan and overall African energy market is showing significant potential for Leonardo’s latest generation helicopter models. The African Oil&Gas market is delivering promising signs, considering reserves, and the opportunities for new projects. With over 200 units, the helicopter fleet comprises types from various OEMs supporting the energy industry in Africa which is one of the biggest in the world. Over the last eight years, Leonardo has been the only manufacturer able to expand its presence in the African offshore market, almost doubling the number of aircraft thanks to the AW Family range of models (the AW139, AW189 and, more recently, the AW169) which deliver greater versatility and performance and higher safety standards. With over 60% of the existing offshore helicopter fleet still made of old design types, Leonardo’s state-of-the-art helicopters are well positioned to meet fleet replacement and modernisation programmes among operators in the region.

The world’s most important helicopter programme since its certification in 2004 and the bestselling type in its category, the AW139 has logged orders for over 1,250 units from more than 290 customers in over 80 countries logging in excess of 3.3 million flight hours to date, and it’s the benchmark platform in the energy industry today. The AW139 delivers outstanding capabilities, technology and safety to meet stringent requirements from operators for tasks in harsh conditions to maximise effectiveness. The type features stateof-the-art avionics with advanced navigation and collision avoidance systems to enhance situational awareness and reduce pilots’ workload, unmatched speed, power margins and overall performance, the widest cabin in its category featuring high modularity for rapid reconfiguration, a unique 60+ min run-dry capable main gear box for enhanced reliability and safety and up to 1,000 certified kits.

Leonardo: AW169’s presence in the energy industry sector grows stronger with Bestfly of Angola order of four helicopters.

Posted by dgualdo on 21/11/2021
Posted in: Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore. Tagged: , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Rome  17 November 2021

  • This contract marks the entry of the AW169 into the African market with the first purchase from a major local operator.
  • Orders and options for nearly 290 AW169 helicopters have been signed by over 90 customers in more than 30 countries around the world to date for a wide range of applications, exceeding 90,000 flight hours.

The Leonardo AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopter further reinforces its global market presence and its success in the energy industry sector with the sale of four aircraft to Bestfly of Angola. This contract marks the entry of the AW169 into the African market with the first purchase from major local operator. 

The introduction of the 4.6/4.8 tonne AW169 is a significant boost to Bestfly’s air operations in Angola. It will be conducting passenger and equipment transport in the energy industry by leveraging latest technology and navigation/mission avionics, latest certification and safety standards, outstanding performance, the largest cabin in its category and a modern maintenance approach.  

“This contract is a great milestone for BestFly in its sustainable growth strategy. We would like to thank Leonardo for its great support in putting this deal together. We are confident the AW169 will be a great addition to our fleet, enhancing the capabilities of our off-shore and on-shore operations. We would like also to thank our customers for their continued support and trust, allowing us to continue to grow stronger in the future” said Bestfly. 

Orders and options for nearly 290 AW169 helicopters have been signed by over 90 customers in more than 30 countries around the world to date for a wide range of applications, including air ambulance, law enforcement, executive/corporate and offshore transport, electronic newsgathering, training, military and utility roles. In the energy industry sector, by supporting oil and gas or wind farm, the AW169 has already proven successful in Europe and the Middle East. More than 130 units have been delivered worldwide and have logged more than 90,000 flight hours. 

Bestfly, is an Angolan company in the aviation market, established in November 2009, customer service is and will always be the paramount objective. Our team comprises with highly experienced individuals, all our operation staff are duly certified, that allows us to create a dynamic and pro-active organization. Our goal is to anticipate any possible problems not allowing them to actually occur. Bestfly senior management team includes an Airline Pilot with over 9000 hours, that flew for the biggest Business Jet operator in world NETJETS, and an Ex-NETJETS Europe customer representative, which enables us to understand and implement the needs of a high demanding market as it is the business aviation. In just two years of operations, Bestfly became the market leader and the most recognized brand in the business aviation handling in Angola, with a market share of close 80%. In ten years Bestfly became the biggest operator in Angola.

CHC Partners with Shell and Leonardo Helicopters To Launch First Global Implementation of H-TAWS.

Posted by dgualdo on 17/03/2021
Posted in: Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – March 16, 2021

CHC Group announces it has partnered with Shell Brasil and Leonardo Helicopters to launch the first global implementation of Leonardo’s Enhanced Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (H-TAWS) on the CHC AW139 fleet operating in Brasil.

IRVING, TX, March 16, 2021— CHC Group—a global leader in helicopter services and maintenance, repair and overhaul provision—announces it has partnered with Shell Brasil and Leonardo Helicopters to launch the first global implementation of Leonardo’s Enhanced Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (H-TAWS) on the CHC AW139 fleet operating in Campos, Brasil for Shell.

Committed to aviation safety leadership, Shell and CHC recognize Leonardo’s innovation forms a key component of the HeliOffshore Safety Performance Model and will be important in reducing one of the largest remaining risks in offshore helicopter operations.

Dave Balevic, CHC CEO, said, “Dedication to safety performance is the foundation of CHC’s flight operations. This partnership with Shell and Leonardo supports that commitment and ensures CHC aircraft are fitted with the best available technological and safety innovations in the industry, allowing our aircrews to deliver our customers the best possible helicopter services during the most demanding missions.”

H-TAWS software and equipment computes in real-time the precise three-dimensional position and velocity of the aircraft in relation to accurate databases of the terrain height and hazardous-obstacle locations. The system allows the pilot to execute immediate changes to the flight trajectory to prevent controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) events in inherently hazardous flight situations.

Gian Piero Cutillo, Leonardo Helicopters Managing Director, said, “We’re excited to mark the introduction of the advanced H-TAWS technology with CHC and Shell. Leonardo is the first OEM offering this new safety enhancement on our AW139 and AW189. This is an essential advancement and enabler for safer flight operations which will greatly benefit the global rotorcraft community. Our continued commitment to safety enhancements of operations is, and will remain, a prime commitment of Leonardo. This effort invested from the outset and the development of this cutting-edge H-TAWS function confirms and marks the Company’s commitment to investing in safety as an integral part of the capabilities our products must deliver for our customers.”

While many aviation authorities advocate wide voluntary adoption of H-TAWS throughout most civilian flight operations, they primarily have required adoption in only two helicopter industry mission segments: Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) and offshore operations.

Shell’s VP Aircraft Tony Cramp stated, “Having supported our partners across the industry for a number of years to develop this capability, I must congratulate Leonardo for being the first to field it and I applaud the safety leadership shown by CHC and Shell Brazil, for what I hope will be the first steps in it becoming a standard fit for all offshore helicopters.”

HeliOffshore CEO, Tim Rolfe added, “Learning from the fixed-wing industry, we know effective warning systems save lives. These systems have already been installed in helicopters, but the collaborative efforts of the offshore industry demonstrate that tailoring the warning system to the offshore environment will deliver crucial safety improvements every day.”

Airbus – Shell selects H160 for operation by PHI in Gulf of Mexico

Posted by dgualdo on 16/02/2021
Posted in: Airbus Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Marignane, 15 February 2021

International energy group Shell has selected leading US offshore helicopter operator PHI to operate four Airbus H160s to service a support contract in the Gulf of Mexico.

The contract marks the entry into the oil and gas market of the H160 with a wealth of design features promising new levels of safety, comfort and schedule reliability in offshore operations.

The three companies – Airbus, PHI and Shell – are cooperating in a unique partnership. In a pioneering move, Airbus will provide one H160 ahead of final deliveries to PHI and Shell for a year-long route-proving programme to enable the operator and the final customer to familiarize themselves with the type’s advanced features and mitigate the normal challenges around entry into service.

At PHI it will be based at Houma, Louisiana and join a large company fleet of H125s and H135s deployed in  emergency medical service throughout the United States, as well as two H145s operating for Shell on pipeline survey work in Louisiana, and two H145s flying the world’s longest harbour pilot shuttle in Mackay, Australia.

Airbus Helicopters Executive Vice President Global Business, Ben Bridge, said: “We greatly appreciate the innovative thinking of our customers in formulating this partnership around the H160 which will begin a new era of safety, reliability and environmental performance in the medium class of offshore operations.”

PHI Aviation Managing Director, Keith Mullett said: “We are proud to be playing a key role in the entry into service of the highly advanced H160 in the offshore sector and we look forward to bringing a step change in operating standards through the confidence building route-proving exercise agreed with our partners Airbus and Shell.”

Shell Aircraft Vice President, Tony Cramp said: “Shell welcomes the opportunity to embrace new aviation technology and introduce this highly advanced and efficient aircraft to safely service our vibrant and growing offshore business in the US Gulf of Mexico.”

Shell General Manager – Supply Chain Deepwater, Viet Van added: “The emissions reductions that the H160 provides help us continue to deliver crude and natural gas with the smallest carbon footprint of our global deepwater portfolio, and are another important step to meeting our goal of zero net emissions by 2050.”

With 68 patents, the H160 is the world’s most technologically advanced helicopter and features an unprecedented suite of pilot aids delivered through its Helionix avionics which substantially reduces crew workload and decreases the risk of pilot error.

They include the world’s first ground helipad assisted take-off procedure, a vortex ring state pre-alerting system and a recovery mode to automatically regain steady flight in difficult circumstances.

The H160 is powered by two of the latest Arrano engines from Safran Helicopter Engines and incorporates an embedded monitoring system and a redundancy of sensors, and can be maintained autonomously far from base. The design emphasises robust corrosion defence specifically envisaging offshore missions.

LCI AND SUMITOMO MITSUI FINANCE AND LEASING (SMFL) LAUNCH LANDMARK US$230 MILLION HELICOPTER LEASING JOINT VENTURE.

Posted by dgualdo on 28/09/2020
Posted in: HEMS / SAR, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

PRESS RELAESE – 23 September 2020

LCI, a leading helicopter lessor and the aviation division of the Libra Group, and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL) have agreed to establish and operate a joint venture helicopter leasing business.

The vehicle has launched with the initial acquisition of 19 next generation helicopters with a value of US$230 million. SMFL and LCI are co-investors in the partnership, with LCI also acting as manager.

The young, modern helicopters acquired by the joint venture will be used by operators across the globe on a range of missions including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Search and Rescue (SAR), and transportation to offshore wind farms. With a strong lessee profile, long average lease tenor and full power by the hour maintenance coverage, the portfolio offers a robust profile for the investors.

Jaspal Jandu, Chief Financial Officer of LCI, says: “LCI is delighted to be launching this new leasing vehicle with SMFL. Our joint venture with this renowned partner highlights the opportunities available in the helicopter leasing marketplace, and demonstrates how these aircraft have now become a proven and attractive asset class.”

Shinichiro Watanabe, Managing Executive Officer of SMFL, says: “LCI’s experience, expertise and reputation makes them a natural business partner for SMFL, and we look forward to working with them and combining our respective financial strengths to jointly and professionally manage a successful and dynamic venture.”

George Logothetis, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Libra Group, added: “We are very pleased and proud that LCI has formed a joint venture with such a highly respected organisation. This partnership promises sustained and exciting growth for LCI’s rotary wing business, which has already proved highly resilient during the global pandemic.”

The new joint venture will enable SMFL and LCI to further expand the range and volume of their helicopter investments by leveraging their proven track record, knowledge and experience derived from SMFL’s aircraft and engine leasing companies, and LCI’s years of value creation in aviation helicopter and fixed wing leasing.

LCI’s fleet comprises approximately US$1 billion of assets in service, on order and under management, focused on the latest technology medium and super medium helicopters manufactured by leading helicopter OEMs including Leonardo, Airbus and Sikorsky.

These are in operation across four continents in multiple sectors including emergency medical services, offshore wind, search and rescue, maritime pilot transfer and oil-and-gas transportation. 

Leonardo AW139’s capabilities further enhanced with new avionics software release and kit certification.

Posted by dgualdo on 19/07/2020
Posted in: Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore. Tagged: , , , , , .
  • Honeywell Primus Epic Phase 8 software and EGPWS with offshore modes obtain EASA Certification
  • Latest standard delivers increased mission capabilities, enhanced situational awareness and reduce crew workload for safety beyond standards in all weather conditions with the introduction of synthetic vision, enhanced 2D Map, increased Navigation, wireless flight plan data loading and advanced collision avoidance for all commercial and government missions
  • The AW139 is the unmatched leader in its class with continued growth capability and outstanding market success and operational track record.

PRESS RELEASE – Rome, 17 July 2020

Leonardo announced today further enhancements for the AW139 intermediate twin engine market leader with the recently obtained EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certifications for the Honeywell Primus Epic integrated avionics Phase 8 software and the EGPWS (Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System) optional kit with offshore modes.

The Phase 8 software release marks the introduction of an advanced Synthetic Vision System (SVS) specifically tailored for helicopter applications, improved 2D maps and wireless data loading delivering even greater all-weather capabilities and mission effectiveness for all commercial and government missions.

This latest standard increases crew situational awareness and reduces workload for operations at night or in marginal weather. The advanced Synthetic Vision System assists with navigation and landing approaches when operating within challenging terrain, oil rigs, and other demanding scenarios, which is accomplished via 3D presentation of the external scenario, including surrounding terrain, obstacles, runways and helipads within the background of the Primary Flight Display. A user-friendly 2D Interactive Navigation (INAV) feature showing the helicopter position and flight plan on a map into the MultiFunctional Display (MFD) delivers unparalleled navigation system alignment and precision with the actual flight path taking into account environmental factors. Phase 8 has also wireless connectivity embedded, providing high speed data access for flight plans transfer and maintenance data gathering from the aircraft. Additionally, Custom Approach functionality provides the capability to design, set and fly an automated approach to any user-defined location, including oil rig helidecks.

The introduction of the new EGPWS version -036, which is also available for Phase 7, perfectly complements the latest software release and enhanced navigation capabilities for safer offshore operations. This more sophisticated HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System) introduces recommendations of CAA CAP 1519 for optimal use in offshore environments, and gives pilots more time margin and earlier notifications for warning of a potential collision. This will prove to be a key enabler for recognizing and responding to unsafe conditions.

Orders for nearly 1200 units in over 70 countries have been placed by more than 280 commercial, paramilitary, and military customers worldwide and over 1050 helicopters are in service with more than 2.8

million flight hours logged in operations to date. With more than 1000 kits certified to date and continued capability growth, the AW139 remains unmatched in its’ category as the world’s most important helicopter programme in the last 15 years. The AW139 has a proven track record of outstanding mission accomplishment in the harshest conditions.

Bristow and Era to Merge, Forming a Larger, More Diverse and Financially Stronger Global Leader.

Posted by dgualdo on 26/01/2020
Posted in: HEMS / SAR, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – 24 January 2020

Bristow Group Inc. and Era Group Inc. announced today that they entered into a definitive agreement to combine the two companies.

  • All-stock transaction creates financially stronger, publicly traded company with a significant presence in key geographic regions
  • Combined company will offer broader range of world-class, efficient aviation solutions through enhanced fleet size and diversity, providing better solutions for new and existing oil and gas customers and governmental agencies
  • Expected to achieve pro forma annual revenues of approximately $1.5 billion and run-rate adjusted EBITDA of approximately $240 million, including at least $35 million in annual cost synergies
  • The combined company will maintain a strong balance sheet with robust free cash flow to facilitate continued deleveraging and returns to shareholders

HOUSTON, January 23, 2020 – Bristow Group Inc. (“Bristow”) and Era Group Inc. (NYSE:ERA) (“Era”) announced today that they entered into a definitive agreement to combine the two companies in an all-stock transaction, creating a financially stronger company with enhanced size and diversification.

The combined company, which will be named Bristow, will strengthen its global leadership position with significant operations throughout the Americas, Nigeria, Norway, the United Kingdom and Australia for offshore aviation transportation and search and rescue solutions. The new organization will offer a broader range of world-class, efficient solutions through enhanced fleet size and diversity, continuing to invest in new technology and safety features to meet the evolving needs of new and existing oil and gas customers and governmental agencies. 

“We believe this merger will create substantial value for the stakeholders of both companies,” said Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Era. “The identified cost synergies are significant and, combined with the strong pro forma balance sheet and absence of capital commitments, support robust free cash flow generation. This merger achieves more efficient absorption of the significant fixed costs required to run an air carrier and better positions the combined company to manage industry challenges.” 

“Bristow and Era share complementary cultures built on an unwavering commitment to safety and quality through experienced, well-trained trained pilots, mechanics, engineers and support staff,” said L. Don Miller, President and CEO of Bristow. “Merging these two companies will further build on that culture to create an even stronger, more integrated industry leader.”

Highly Compelling Strategic RationaleEnhances Global Leadership with Significant Presence in Key Geographic Regions and End-Markets:

  • Significant operations throughout the Americas, Nigeria, Norway, the United Kingdom and Australia
  • Global leader in offshore oil and gas transportation, search and rescue and aircraft support services to government and civil organizations, with significant revenues and cash flow generated from government services contracts

Increases Fleet Size and Diversity:

  • Combined fleet of more than 300 of the industry’s most modern aircraft with the latest generation of technology and safety features
  • Creates the world’s largest operator of S92, AW189 and AW139 model helicopters
  • Combined fleet will be predominantly owned (>80%), with attractive lease rates on the balance of the fleet

Creates Financially Stronger Company: 

  • Expected to achieve pro forma annual revenues of approximately $1.5 billion and run-rate adjusted EBITDA of approximately $240 million
  • Substantial and highly achievable cost synergies with an annualized saving of at least $35 million through the elimination of redundant corporate expenses and the realization of enhanced operational efficiencies
  • Maintains a strong balance sheet (~2.5x net leverage), supported by a large combined cash balance (over $250 million expected at closing)
  • $112.5 million upsized ABL facility, with a robust free cash flow profile to facilitate continued deleveraging and returns to shareholders

Governance and Management 

Following completion of the transaction, the combined company will be headquartered in Houston, Texas. Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Era, will become President and CEO of the combined company. The senior management team will be named at a future date. 

The combined company will have a nine-member Board of Directors, including seven members from Bristow and two members from Era, including the CEO. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors will be appointed by Bristow.

Transaction Structure

The transaction will be structured as a reverse triangular merger whereby Era will issue shares to Bristow stockholders. Era (NYSE:ERA) shares will continue to trade on the NYSE.
Under the terms of the agreement, which was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of both companies, Bristow shareholders would own 77% of the equity of the new company and Era shareholders would own 23%. 

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2020, following receipt of required regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, including approval by Bristow’s and Era’s stockholders. The merger is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. 

Share Repurchase Plan

Era also announced today that, in connection with entry into the merger agreement, its Board of Directors has authorized a special stock repurchase program that would allow for the purchase of up to $10 million of its common stock from time to time and subject to market conditions on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The special repurchase program will commence as soon as practicable and will end upon the mailing of the joint proxy statement/prospectus for the merger. Era also noted that it intends to provide the market with periodic updates of the results of the repurchase program. Era’s previously announced repurchase program will be suspended until the closing of the merger.

Website NEWS … AgustaWestland AW139 G-CKYP, data sheet updated.

Posted by dgualdo on 18/12/2019
Posted in: Website NEWS, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , .

G-CKYP – DATA SHEET update

WORLD ROTORS
AgustaWestland / Leonardo AW139 Photo Page
AgustaWestland AW139 ( c/n 41339 ) G-CKYP

Thanks to Graeme LOVELL for these new images of the AgustaWestland AW139 G-CKYP operated from Bristow Helicopters Ltd … at Norwich, March 2019.

Leonardo: Wiking signs 30 million euro contract for two AW139 helicopters to enhance offshore transport capabilities in Northern Europe.

Posted by dgualdo on 30/06/2019
Posted in: Leonardo Helicopters NEWS. Tagged: , , , , .

Leonardo: Wiking signs 30 million euro contract for two AW139 helicopters to enhance offshore transport capabilities in Northern Europe.

  • Latest order adds to a four unit AW139 fleet; deliveries expected between 2019 and 2020
  • The AW139 is the aircraft of choice for demanding overseas operations in Northern Europe and worldwide
  • Over 1100 AW139s have been ordered by more than 270 customers in over 70 nations to date

Paris, 19 June 2019 – Leonardo announced today the signing of a contract valued at 30 million euro for two AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters with Wiking Helikopter Service GmbH of Germany. The aircraft, which are expected to be delivered in 2019 and 2020, will be used to perform offshore transport operations in Northern Europe, further expanding the AW139 fleet of Wiking which already operates four helicopters in the region.

Wiking has been an offshore transport specialist in the North and Baltic Sea areas for over 43 years. The Company also performs sea pilots transfer, windmill engineer hoisting service and emergency medical service operations. This latest AW139 contract provides more evidence of the unrivalled mission capabilities, operational efficiency and reliability of the world’s most successful type in its category to carry out demanding missions overseas. The AW139 fleet augmentation programme will allow Wiking to meet the evolving requirements of its clients.

The AW139 has proven extremely popular in the region for offshore, search and rescue, passenger transport and law enforcement duties. The type set new standards in terms of flight and mission technology, cabin space and comfort, performance, safety and reliability as well as introducing advanced support, maintenance and training services. The AW139 is even exceeding the evolving Oil&Gas market’s stringent requirements with unique features including a 60+ minutes run dry capable main gear box and full or limited ice protection system as an option to fly in known icing conditions for true all weather operations. Over 1100 AW139s have been ordered by more than 270 customers in more than 70 nations to date for any kind of mission. The global fleet has amassed over 2.3 million flight hours and the 1000th aircraft will be delivered this year.