Offshore

Helicopter Offshore operations

Airbus Helicopters and LCI unveil new Flight Path partnership.

Posted by dgualdo on 28/02/2024
Posted in: Airbus Helicopters NEWS, HAI Heli-Expo 2024 ... Anaheim, CA, HEMS / SAR, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Anaheim,  28 February 2024

LCI, a leading aviation company, and Airbus Helicopters have unveiled a new Flight Path partnership, which will address the long-term capacity, sustainability and financing requirements of the industry. 

Airbus predicts demand for over 16,000 new helicopters by 2041, with a combined value approaching $130 billion. The new partnership will see LCI and Airbus Helicopters leveraging their combined knowledge, experience and analytical capabilities to identify the infrastructure and financial innovations that will address this demand. 

Flight Path builds upon a 20-year relationship between the companies, which most recently culminated in a collaboration agreement to develop advanced air mobility ecosystems around the CityAirbus Next Gen programme.  Going forward, it will also include investment in further helicopter units, types and technologies, with a growing emphasis around sustainability.

Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI, says: “This strategic partnership between LCI and Airbus signals our collective commitment to deliver long-term, sustainable capacity solutions to the market. The combination of Airbus’ long-standing expertise in business development, forecasting and planning, with LCI’s track record in leasing, investing and financial innovation, will enable us to sustainably address the multibillion dollar requirements of the market.”

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, says: “LCI and Airbus have worked together in close cooperation for almost two decades, culminating most recently in the delivery commitments for seven next generation helicopters. This new partnership is a natural elevation of this relationship and one that reflects our shared capabilities. Together with our partners, Airbus Helicopters is committed to delivering sustainable growth and innovation to its customers as they undertake their mission-critical work.”

LCI’s fleet currently includes over 50 Airbus helicopters. They are deployed by 14 operators in 10 countries across the globe on a range of missions including emergency medical services, search and rescue and offshore wind.
The first phase of Flight Path will see the committed delivery of at least seven latest generation Airbus helicopters to LCI by 2025. 

LCI has ordered five new Airbus H145 helicopters, all of which are being placed in its joint venture (JV) with Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL).  The first two aircraft are being delivered by the end of March 2024 and will be operated in Oceania. 

In addition, LCI will deliver two H175 helicopters by the end of March 2024. The aircraft will be operated in South America.

The new partnership aligns with LCI’s long-term commitment to sustainable growth.  LCI is a signatory of Aircraft Leasing Ireland’s (ALI) Sustainability Charter, with a commitment to driving forward and achieving responsibility goals, centred around 10 priority sustainability principles, including a commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.

Leonardo – Bristow Signs New AW189 Framework Agreement Including Firm Orders for 10 AW189 Helicopters.

Posted by dgualdo on 28/02/2024
Posted in: HAI Heli-Expo 2024 ... Anaheim, CA, HEMS / SAR, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Rome,  28 February 2024 09:00

  • The new Framework Agreement includes 10 firm orders plus 10 options supporting Bristow fleet expansion plans from 2025 to 2028
  • The deal underscores Bristow’s success with the AW189 over the years – the most successful super medium helicopter in the market for offshore transport and other roles 

Leonardo and Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: VTOL), the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, announced a framework agreement including firm orders for 10 AW189 super medium helicopters plus 10 options. 

Bristow is currently operating 21 AW189 helicopters globally with another five due off the assembly line in 2024. The new framework agreement covers a fleet expansion plan for the 2025-2028 period. Bristow uses the AW189 in its Offshore Energy Services business line as well as in its Government Services business line supporting search and rescue operations in the U.K., the Netherlands, and beginning in 2025 in Ireland. The leading super medium AW189 delivers modern and safe long range, high endurance, and high capacity, similar to larger- and heavier-type helicopters, while allowing lower operating costs. 

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director for Leonardo Helicopters, said: “This latest step supporting our key partner Bristow is further testament to the outstanding capabilities of the AW189 as the aircraft of choice in its category for energy support missions among prime operators and countries. We’re proud to continue to provide our contribution to Bristow with this type, its technology and support solutions.” 

Leonardo and Bristow have collaborated for more than 28 years with Bristow using a range of aircraft types including the AW119 single engine, AW109 light twin, AW139 intermediate twin, and AW189 super medium. Bristow’s fleet of Leonardo helicopters will account for nearly 110 units with the arrival of these additional 10 AW189 helicopters.

In 2022, the companies signed a 10-year global service agreement for Bristow’s offshore fleet, applying to their AW139 and AW189 fleet, in operation across the globe. This unique service agreement is intended to deliver more efficient overall logistics and savings to the operator, highlighting the value of Leonardo logistic service offerings, increasing performance across geographies.

Belonging to the AWFamily of products, the AW189 (8.3/8.6 tonne) combines superior payload and range with advanced technologies to successfully operate a wide range of missions such as search and rescue, energy industry support, passenger transport, firefighting, and law enforcement.  Unique features of the helicopter include the capability of the main transmission to run without oil for 50 minutes and a built-in auxiliary power unit. The AW189 is available with more than 200 certified kits and delivered with a comprehensive support and training service package tailored to meet specific customer requirements to maximize mission effectiveness and safety of operations. The type is also certified for an automatic data transmission system enabling the aircraft to transmit performance data to a ground station using satellite communication in flight, 4G cell connectivity, or Wi-Fi when on the ground. It offers a secure way to share an accurate picture of each flight so that Leonardo experts can assess data quickly, thus optimizing maintenance and support. Over 140 AW189s have been ordered, and more than 90 delivered to operators worldwide to date. After 10 years since its certification, the AW189 remains the world’s most successful super-medium category helicopter by market size, number of operators, countries, and applications.   

HAI Heli-Expo 2024 – Fly-in images from the Anaheim Convention Center, Day 2.

Posted by dgualdo on 26/02/2024
Posted in: Airbus Helicopters NEWS, Firefighting, HAI Heli-Expo 2024 ... Anaheim, CA, HEMS / SAR, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

Heli-Expo Fly-in, 24 February 2024.

Thanks to HAI Heli-Expo media staff for supplying these images of the event.

LCI SIGNS FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT FOR UP TO 21 LATEST GENERATION HELICOPTERS FROM LEONARDO

Posted by dgualdo on 22/02/2024
Posted in: HEMS / SAR, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – 22nd February 2024

LCI, a leading aviation company, has announced a framework agreement for up to 21 of the latest generation helicopters from Leonardo, comprising of 10 firm plus 11 options. 

The innovative new framework agreement covers the latest generation light-intermediate AW169, intermediate AW139 and super-medium AW189 helicopters, which will collectively address industry renewal and replacement requirements. 

The new helicopters will be delivered through to 2028 and will be aimed at a variety of missions including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Search and Rescue (SAR), offshore energy, including wind.  The helicopters will be strategically allocated between LCI and SMFL LCI Helicopters, LCI’s joint venture with Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL). 

They will offer superior performance, flexibility, and lower CO2 emissions than comparable types and other transportation modes, thereby helping operators to reduce their carbon footprint whilst maintaining mission-critical and life-saving operations.  

In addition, they will be equipped with the latest suite of navigational and safety features and will also be cleared to use Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) in the future, leveraging the certification standards already obtained by Leonardo for SAF use. 

Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI, says: “We are extremely pleased to extend our deep and long-standing relationship with Leonardo.  The helicopter market is seeking to review, renew and replenish capacity in a disciplined and pragmatic way. We want to help customers, operators and end-users to grow sustainably whilst using some of the most modern, efficient and technologically innovative helicopters in the skies.” 

These commitments build upon LCI’s decade long partnership with Leonardo during which it has already taken delivery of over 50 helicopters making it one of the manufacturer’s largest customers for new equipment. 

Stefano Villanti, SVP Marketing and Sales of Leonardo Helicopters, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our long-standing partnership with LCI as they continue to rely upon our technology to meet multiple requirements in the market. This will bring greater efficiency to LCI’s customers and help them reduce their environmental impact whilst offering significant performance enhancements.” 

LCI’s fleet currently includes 77 Leonardo helicopters in operation in 20 countries across the globe. Many are deployed on mission critical and socially responsible sectors such as EMS, SAR and offshore wind energy. 

The new helicopters align with LCI’s long-term commitment to sustainable growth.  LCI is a signatory of Aircraft Leasing Ireland’s (ALI) Sustainability Charter, with a commitment to driving forward and achieving responsibility goals, centred around 10 priority sustainability principles, including a commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.

PHI CELEBRATES 75-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Posted by dgualdo on 22/02/2024
Posted in: Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – LAFAYETTE, La. February 21, 2024

PHI, a leader in global helicopter services, is proud and honored to celebrate its 75-year anniversary in 2024.

Founded in Lafayette, La., in 1949, Petroleum Bell Helicopters—later to be renamed Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. and known today as PHI Group, Inc.—established itself as a leader in helicopter transportation for seismic crews exploring for oil and gas in the marshlands of South Louisiana. From three Bell 47 helicopters and seven employees, PHI has grown to become the gold standard in global helicopter solutions, supporting energy providers, hospitals and air medical organizations and more.

Today, PHI operates and maintains a state-of-the-art fleet of more than 200 helicopters and has over 2,500 employees with operations across the globe.

“PHI has pioneered many firsts over its 75-year history,” said Scott McCarty, CEO – PHI Group. “From being the launch customer for several different airframe types to logging over 12 million flight hours, PHI has a rich history of innovation and performance—one that we’re extremely proud to continue today.”

Over the last 75 years, the PHI brand has expanded to include PHI Aviation, its global energy services division; PHI Air Medical, its US-based air ambulance provider; Helipass, its end-to-end logistics solution; and PHI MRO Services, its maintenance, repair and overhaul division.

Longstanding employees continue to assist and support PHI in its efforts to grow, support customers and provide the highest standards of safety and operational integrity.

“Congratulations to the PHI team on this incredible accomplishment,” said McCarty. “Every employee—past, present and future—plays a pivotal role in shaping our story. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with our people, our customers and partners and our entire PHI family and community throughout 2024.”

The company will continue to celebrate its anniversary with activities planned throughout 2024.

“On behalf of all PHI – thank you to all our customers, past and present, for your continued trust. Thank you to the communities in which we operate for welcoming us with open arms. And, of course, thank you to all past and present employees for making PHI what it is today.”

Leonardo – First SAF-powered rotorcraft flight in UAE and Middle East set by Abu Dhabi Aviation’s AW139 commercial helicopter.

Posted by dgualdo on 01/12/2023
Posted in: Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Abu Dhabi,  30 November 2023

  • Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) accomplished two flights with a Leonardo AW139 helicopter powered by SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) in Abu Dhabi on 28 and 30 November, marking a first in the UAE and Middle East. 
  • ADA and Leonardo are actively committed to reducing the impact that aviation has on global carbon emissions

Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) and Leonardo are pleased to announce today that ADA’s AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopter accomplished two flights powered by aviation fuel blended with SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) in Abu Dhabi on 28 and 30 November (the latter carrying on board UAE dignitaries and industry representatives).

These flights using SAF on an ADA commercial helicopter marked a first in the UAE and Middle East. This initiative and achievement demonstrate ADA and Leonardo’s capability and active commitment in reducing the impact that aviation has on global carbon emissions. 

In this context, Mr Nader Ahmed Al Hammadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, affirmed that Abu Dhabi Aviation is keen on collaborating with its strategic partners to expedite carbon removal from the aviation sector, contribute to achieving the country’s climate targets, enhance fuel efficiency, and preserve it. He added, “We reaffirm ADA’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s efforts in the aviation sector to ensure sustainable growth and its adoption in the future.”

Gian Piero Cutillo, Leonardo Helicopters’ MD, said “The SAF flights in the UAE performed by ADA’s AW139 have shown what’s possible in support of the rapid evolution of sustainability requirements in aviation. This technology can deliver real benefits in the region and widely across geographies, for all missions and can be readily available. We’re committed to joining forces with authorities, energy industry leaders and rotorcraft service providers to incentivise the use of SAF to sustain carbon footprint reduction.” 

His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, the Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, stated that the civil aviation sector in the UAE is making significant strides towards enhancing the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and highlighted that the success of the first helicopter flight using SAF is an important step that supports the ongoing efforts towards reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector. He added, “On the twenty-fourth of this month, at the conclusion of the third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels, which was hosted by the UAE, the world witnessed the launch of the Dubai Framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, which represents the beginning of the path towards a more sustainable future in aviation, aiming to achieve our ambitious goal of reaching zero emissions by 2050.”

ADA and Leonardo have been collaborating for over 15 years with the operator acquiring a total of 33 aircraft to date, most of which are AW139s. Recently, ADA set a 100,000 flight hour milestone with its Leonardo helicopter fleet. The ADA’s fleet of Leonardo helicopters was extended to comprehensive localised support, maintenance, and overhaul services in the UAE around ten years ago with the establishment of the AgustaWestland Aviation Services Joint Venture and subsequent training and simulation capabilities.

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 1,300 units from more than 290 operators in over 80 countries to date for all missions. The global AW139 fleet has nearly 4 million flight hours logged to date. The type features state-of-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. The AW139 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C engines that provide exceptional power capability with each engine producing 1,700 shaft horsepower (shp) thermodynamic. The AW139 is supported by advanced digital capabilities for maintenance and training, both in terms of fleet flight data management and simulation for pilots, cabin crews and technicians. This year AW139 helicopters carried out demonstration flights with SAF in Japan and Malaysia. 

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 – The AW139 helicopter fleet of Mukamalah, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, sets 200,000 flight hours milestone delivering outstanding support for energy industry and national community.

Posted by dgualdo on 23/07/2023
Posted in: Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Paris, 20 June 2023

Leonardo and Mukamalah Aviation company (a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Aramco) celebrated a major achievement for the operator’s AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter fleet setting a 200,000 flight hours milestone in operations. The event was celebrated at the Paris Air Show today. 

Mukamalah’s CEO, Khalid Alnatour said: “As the leading corporate operator, Mukamalah is proud to be the first helicopter operators in the MENA region to achieve this significant milestone. This success would not be possible without our strong partnership with Leonardo Helicopters.”

“We congratulate our partner Mukamalah Aviation company for this amazing operational milestone. This has been set thanks to a unique combination of outstanding professional skills and expertise in top class helicopter services at Mukamalah and the unmatched capabilities and technologies embedded into our AW139. We’re glad to be part of their success delivering critical support to the energy industry and the national community and we’re committed to sustaining Mukamalah to reach greater and greater operational goals with their AW139s in the future,” said Gian Piero Cutillo, Leonardo Helicopters’ Managing Director. 

One of the largest operators of Leonardo helicopters in the Middle East, Mukamalah Aviation company has been operating AW139s since 2008 and AW109 light twins since 2006, mainly to perform offshore transport missions in Saudi Arabia in support of the oil and gas industry. Today’s Mukamalah AW139 fleet consists of 24 units and additional new 3 AW139s to be delivered this year. The AW139 has outstanding hot and high performance, cabin space, and flight/navigation technology making it ideally suited for Mukamalah effective, efficient, and safe operational needs. 

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 1,300 units from more than 290 operators in almost 90 countries to date for all missions. The global AW139 fleet has exceeded 3.7 million flight hours logged to date. The type features state-of-the-art avionics with advanced navigation and collision avoidance systems to enhance situational awareness and reduce pilots’ workload. It has unmatched speed, power margins and overall performance. The AW139 has 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 a number of certified kits.
 

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Mukamalah Aviation Company Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, is the first aviation company in Saudi Arabia and second in the Middle East, Mukamalah Aviation Company Limited (Mukamalah) was established in 1934 under the name of Saudi Aramco Aviation with the core mission of oil exploration through the vast Saudi desert. From its headquarters in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Mukamalah operates 49 aircraft from different fleets with the common goal of driving the business’ success. Enabling its operation, Mukamalah maintains its vast fleet all year round in its 15,000 sqm hangars In Dammam, Ras Tanura, and Tanajib. In addition to its massive fleet, Mukamalah regularly serves 18 airports throughout Saudi Arabia, nine of which are fully managed, and operated by Mukamalah, along with more than 300 helipads, both on and offshore.

Leonardo – AW169 helicopter’s mission capabilities and configuration options expanded with skid and Advanced SAR Mode certifications.

Posted by dgualdo on 16/11/2022
Posted in: HEMS / SAR, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Rome,  09 November 2022

  • The AW169 offers all undercarriage options, including retractable/fixed landing gear and skids; it is the first and only modern CS-29 certified helicopter with these options 
  • The only helicopter in its class featuring Advanced SAR Modes. The first civil-certified rotorcraft with IFR single pilot SAR Modes operational capability 
  • Over 300 AW169s are on order, around 150 are in service in 25 countries with more than 125,000 FH logged 

The AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopter’s operational capabilities and configuration options grow further with the recent EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certification of the skid undercarriage and unique IFR, single pilot, Advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) Modes.

These latest achievements follow additional enhancements, such as the introduction of the Phase 8 core avionics software release combined with HTAWS (Helicopter terrain Awareness Warning System) Offshore Modes. 

The introduction of skids adds to the existing retractable and fixed landing gear options, providing the market with all three undercarriage solutions. This makes the AW169 the only modern CS29-certified aircraft able to offer all options, further demonstrating the versatility by design of the type. This certification will enable the start of aircraft deliveries with the skid configuration, the initial handover is planned for Italy’s law enforcement operators.

The Advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) Modes introduce dedicated FMS (Flight Management System) search patterns enabling the aircraft to automatically fly along a predefined search path, which reduces pilot’s workload on the search phase of a SAR mission. The AW169 is the only helicopter in its weight category that features Advanced SAR Modes. The high level of automation, which is delivered allows for single pilot capable SAR modes certification, making the AW169 the world’s first civil-certified helicopter with this capability. Further ongoing developments to expand the range of options and kits, also include a 700-880kg capable modular fuel tank installation or a 3-seat installation in the third seat row increasing thenumber of passengers in the cabin to 11 providing operators with an even greater degree of freedom to maximise mission versatility in terms of payload and range. These latest enhancements add to the performance increase packages, which were certified in late 2021 and deliver greater performance in all conditions for all applications making the AW169 the helicopter with the best power-to-weight ratio in its class.  

Designed with the principle of maximum flexibility, the type stays true to this value today and in the future to meet the most stringent requirements. The AW169 continues to provide all new capabilities to operators looking for an ideal combination of light helicopter cost with higher category performance, payload, and cabin space, all combined with comprehensive and ever-growing support and training services. 

The introduction of the AW169 has further strengthened the competitiveness and market position of Leonardo in the world helicopter market. It has expanded Leonardo’s presence in the emergency medical service market and added more operators for law enforcement, disaster relief, and fire-fighting duties. It further reinforces the company’s leadership in the multi-engine VIP market providing operators with one more option fitting between the popular AW109 series and the bestselling AW139 models. It adds one more solution for shorter range operations supporting the energy sector and allows Leonardo to play a growing role in the new wind farm support field. Moreover, its dual-use design has responded to a range of government, homeland security and defence requirements in Italy and abroad for missions like surveillance, troop transport, combat operations, disaster relief and emergency response, fire-fighting, training, mountain rescue and medevac. 

Over 300 AW169s are on order today, with around 150 units delivered from the Vergiate final assembly line (Italy) to operators in 25 countries. The global fleet has logged in excess of 125,000 flight hours in all kind of operations and conditions. The fleet leader has exceeded 3000 flight hours in EMS operations in Sweden. 

Leonardo, ADA and SAZMA celebrate another AW139 delivery.

Posted by dgualdo on 20/10/2022
Posted in: Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – 10 October 2022

The AW139 leased by Sazma to perform offshore transport operations brings to 27 the number of Leonardo helicopters procured by ADA to date, further consolidating the partnership between Leonardo and ADA and strengthening the presence of the AW139 in Malaysia and in the world’s energy industry market.

Leonardo, Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) and Sazma Aviation Sdn Bhd (Sazma) celebrated the delivery of an AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter from the Vergiate final assembly line facility on 27th September. The aircraft will be leased by Sazma from ADA to perform offshore transport operations supporting the energy industry sector in Malaysia from Sazma’s base in Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Sabah. If and when required, the helicopter will also carry out VIP transport missions. This is the third AW139 leased from Sazma and brings to 27 the number of Leonardo helicopters procured by ADA to date, most of them being AW139s.

Additional features for the AW139 thanks to the latest avionics software standard

This latest aircraft handed highlights include the Honeywell Primus Epic Phase 8 core avionics software release, adding further capabilities including advanced synthetic vision, improved 2D maps and wireless data loading delivering even greater all-weather capabilities and mission effectiveness, and EGPWS (Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System). 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, 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 Multi-Functional 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.

Consolidated partnership between Leonardo and Abu Dhabi Aviation

This delivery further strengthens the partnership between Leonardo and ADA and the presence of the AW139 in Malaysia and in the world’s energy industry market as the benchmark helicopter in its category. Leonardo and ADA have been collaborating for over 15 years and has been extended to comprehensive localized support, maintenance and overhaul services in UAE around 10 years ago with the establishment of the AgustaWestland Aviation Services Joint Venture and training and simulation capabilities afterwards. In more recent years, ADA has also added the latest generation AW169 light intermediate twin, the best possible complement to the AW139 in the light-intermediate category leveraging the unique AW Family advantages with a similar design and latest standards.    

Abu Dhabi Aviation is a national shareholding company and the largest commercial helicopter operator in MENA region, established in 1976. The company owns a fleet of nearly 60 aircrafts, including more than 50 helicopters and several fixed-wing aircrafts. ADA also operates aircrafts for various entities. ADA has won multiple international aviation awards. It has completed more than 1,000,000 safe flying hours.