News
Bristow signs new AW189 agreement including firm orders for 10 helicopters

Leonardo and Bristow Group announced a framework agreement including firm orders for 10 AW189 super medium helicopters plus 10 options. Bristow currently operates 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 to 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.

“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,” said Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director for Leonardo Helicopters.

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.

The AW189 (8.3/8.6 tonne) features 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 it 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.

After 10 years since its certification, more than 140 AW189s have been ordered and more than 90 have been delivered to operators worldwide.