THEAW189,helicopter of tip of Leonardo, continues to strengthen its position in the global offshore transportation market, a crucial sector for the energy industry. Leonardo has signed a agreement with the leasing company Gd Helicopter Finance (Gdhf) for the supply of a further ten AW189s, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2029. The news was announced at the European Rotors show in Amsterdam.
Growth of the offshore transport market
Il air support market for the energy industry is expected to grow over the next five years, with a particular focus on emerging sectors such as wind farm assistance and search and rescue operations at sea, in line with new environmental regulations and the adoption of advanced technologies. Leonardo presents itself as a leader in supporting the energy industry, boasting a fleet of approximately 500 helicopters of various types in service.
The growing demand for high availability services and the increase in flight hours require constant improvement in service quality. Leonardo aims to remain competitive in the helicopter sector, explains a note, by continuously updating products and training capabilities through the analysis of operational data.
Advantages of the AW189
The AW189, a twin-engine model which can take off with a maximum weight of 8,3/8,6 tons, is designed to handle a wide range of missions, from support to the energy industry to passenger transport, up to search and rescue operations. Among its features distinctive features include the transmission's ability to operate for 50 minutes without lubricant and an ice protection system certified in Europe, the USA and Canada.
To date, more than 90 AW189s have been delivered to global operators, with approximately 50 of them employed in offshore transport and over 155 flight hours accumulated in this segment. Ten years after its certification, the AW189 continues to dominate its market segment, with orders growing from both existing customers and new entrants, particularly in the energy and utilities sectors.
Comments
michael york, CEO of Gdhf, expressed the company’s satisfaction with this agreement, which will bring the total number of AW189s to 13. “Gdhf is pleased to sign this agreement with Leonardo for the supply of an additional 10 AW189s and the company has committed to a total of 13 of this type since the beginning of the collaboration, with the introduction of the first three already occurred. This large framework agreement will increase Gdhf’s capabilities to support our customers globally, leasing them additional AW189 helicopters. We thank Leonardo for this important collaboration and we continue to work together to offer our customers complete multi-mission solutions with the AW189 helicopters”.
