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Bristow Group signs contract for six AW189 helicopters

The aircraft will be used to perform offshore transport missions. The contract marks a further expansion of the fleet of AgustaWestland helicopters operated by Bristow, which already has AW139s operating globally, and strengthens the already excellent relationship with AgustaWestland.

Mark Duncan, Senior Vice President – Commercial, Bristow Group said “Bristow Group is excited by the capabilities offered by the new AW189 aircraft and we see it filling a key position within the our global fleet, particularly given the planned retirement of the AS332 Super Puma over the next few years and the continuing growth of deepwater developments in our key future markets.”

Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business Unit, AgustaWestland said “We are proud to have Bristow Group Inc. as the first large fleet operator to order the AW189 for its future long range high payload requirements. The AW189 is the result of extensive market assessment by the Company which has worked closely with its customers to ensure that it will deliver the capabilities, high productivity and very attractive operating costs the market expects from a state-of-the-art design in this category. This is why we are sure the AW189 will prove to be a tremendous cost-effective addition to Bristow’s fleet.”

The AW189 was launched this year in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole helicopter in the 8-tonne class and has rapidly found success in the market place. Set to enter service in early 2014, the twin engine AW189 helicopter is optimised for 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 an ultra long range 12 seat configuration.

Exceptional external visibility and the deployment of the latest in avionics technology make the AW189 the pilot’s choice. The cockpit design, incorporating the latest in advanced situational awareness technologies, will reduce crew workload and enhance safety. The AW189 will meet the very latest international regulatory safety requirements (EASA / FAA Part 29, JAR OPS 3 / EU-OPS). The AW189 will benefit from the extensive and expanding AgustaWestland worldwide support network already serving the offshore oil and gas industry. A comprehensive array of simulator and training devices will progressively be made available to serve the worldwide AW189 customer base.