AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, announced that Bristow and Everett Aviation have taken delivery two AW139s and the aircraft have been the first to be certified for operations in Tanzania. Representatives from the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority have completed training in the United States and will be licensed to certify future AW139s in-country.

The aircraft were built at AgustaWestland’s Philadelphia facility in the United States and accepted by Bristow for lease by Everett Aviation in support of offshore oil and gas aviation services. A third aircraft is expected to be delivered within this year and will be dedicated to search and rescue operations.

“The investment that Everett Aviation and Bristow Group are making in being the first to certify the AW139 is substantial and offers an opportunity to make further inroads in the Tanzanian offshore energy market,” said Paul de Jonge van Ellemeet, AgustaWestland Head of Oil & Gas Sales “AgustaWestland is committed to providing superior customer support and training to Everett Aviation, and will ensure that their aircraft maintain an excellent record of reliability, safety and performance.”

“The acceptance of our first AW139s puts us in a position of strength as we expand into the East African offshore oil and gas industry,” said Simon Everett, CEO of Everett Aviation. “We are pleased to achieve certification of these aircraft by the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority and look forward to our partnership with both Bristow and AgustaWestland as future operating opportunities arise in our region.”

State-of-the-art technology, outstanding performance, and low operating costs have all contributed to make the AW139 the helicopter of choice in the medium twin market and the benchmark in the global oil and gas sector. With its power reserve, the AW139 delivers Category A (Class 1) performance from a helipad (elevated or at ground level) at maximum take-off weight with an unmatched one engine inoperative capability. The standard cabin configuration provides seating for 12 or 15 passengers in a large and bright 8.0m3 cabin with excellent ease of access and egress via large sliding cabin doors.

Agusta Westland press release