Gulf Helicopters Company (GHC), a subsidiary of Gulf International Services (GIS), is buying 15 AW189 helicopters from Italian AugustaWestland.
The first two aircraft are planned to be delivered to Gulf Helicopters in 2014 and all helicopters will achieve operational readiness by 2017, a GIS spokesman said in a communiqué to the Qatar Exchange.
The AW189, which hails from the same family of new generation helicopters such as AW 139, can add an advantage to the company’s outstation operations where longer range capabilities are required, according to Mohamed al-Mohannadi, CEO of GHC.
However, the company did not specify on the cost of the helicopters, whose assembly and flight testing of the first batch is on-going at Vergiate plant (Italy).
Meanwhile, a range maintenance and flight training device is already being made available to customers to rapidly start familiarisation with the type and speed up operational readiness once the aircraft are delivered to service, offering unprecedented advantages to the AW189 operators.
The new 8-tonne class twin engine helicopter is optimised for long range offshore transport and SAR (search and rescue) missions and has already received orders for more than 80 units, making it the market leader in its class since its launch at Paris Air Show in June 2011.
The spacious cabin is configured with 16 seats as standard. Seating options include a high density 18/19 seat or a long range 12 seat layout. The AW189 is unique in having a 50 minute ‘run-dry’ capable main gear box, exceeding current certification standards and offering unmatched safety and reliability for long range offshore operations, GHC said.
“Gulf Helicopter, an already prime operator to the AW139 in the region, will also become the first customer introducing the family concept into operational service in the whole area. We are confident they will perform a quantum leap forward in operational effectiveness, versatility and fleet management,” Daniele Romiti, CEO, AugustaWestland said.