Falcon Aviation Services signs orders for 2 AW189 helicopters

Finmeccanica - AgustaWestland has announced that Falcon Aviation Services, FAS, of Abu Dhabi has signed firm orders for two AW189 super medium helicopters in offshore configuration. The contract will expand the FAS fleet of AgustaWestland helicopters, which already includes light helicopters such as Grand, GrandNew and will shortly include the new AW169.
The AW189 was designed in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole medium twin engine helicopter, says the head of AW commercial office in Abu Dhabi. The new 8.3 tonne AW189 is optimised for oil and gas offshore transport and SAR missions and has already received orders for 130 helicopters, making it the outright market leader in its class.
The spacious cabin is configured with up to 19-seat layout. The cockpit design, incorporating the latest in advanced situational awareness technologies, reduces crew workload and enhances safety. The AW189 meets the very latest international regulatory safety requirements (EASA / FAA Part 29, JAR OPS 3 / EU-OPS). 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 offshore operations.
The AW189 is part of the AgustaWestland family of new generation helicopters that includes the AW169 and AW139 models, which possess the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features as well as sharing a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concept. This commonality will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets across the 4 to 8.3 tonne weight categories.
FAS has established itself as a leader in the aviation market through the provision of innovative products and services. With its main operating base at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, FAS is ideally located to serve its customers. Its helicopter and corporate jet fleet offer a wide range of capability, performance and comfort to satisfy its growing list of clients. FAS' services include corporate jet charter, helicopter tourism, aerial photography and filming, aerial banner advertising, offshore and on-shore oil and gas support, aircraft maintenance and aircraft management.