AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Bristow Group Inc. has signed an agreement for three AW139 medium twin engine helicopters to be used to perform offshore transport missions. The purchase further strengthens the relationship between AgustaWestland and Bristow Group and also includes options for additional AW139 purchases by the Bristow Group which would reinforce the continued expansion of the AW139 in the Oil & Gas Industry.

Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business Unit, AgustaWestland said “We are very pleased to have signed this agreement with Bristow Group, one of the world’s largest providers of helicopter services. This latest order for the best selling AW139 by Bristow Group reinforces AgustaWestland’s view that the AW139 is the best available helicopter in its class for offshore transport and many other missions. We are sure Bristow Group and their customers will be delighted with the aircraft.” State-of-the-art technology, outstanding performance, low operating costs and the only helicopter in its class to meet the latest safety standards, have made the AW139 the helicopter of choice in the medium twin market. The AW139 is a new generation medium twin-engine helicopter offering unmatched performance, capacity and safety. It meets the most stringent civil and government certification standards, including the FAA and JAA FAR/JAR Part 29 requirements. An ergonomic cockpit, excellent handling characteristics and low vibration levels significantly reduce pilot fatigue and enhance comfort.

Two powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C engines with FADEC deliver a high power-to-weight ratio maximising safety in demanding operational conditions, including Cat A, Class 1 hot and high sorties. The standard configuration provides seating for twelve or fifteen passengers in a large and bright 8.0 m3 cabin with excellent ease of access and egress via large sliding cabin doors. Over 120 customers from almost 50 countries have ordered over 440 helicopters to perform a wide range of roles also including offshore transport, EMS/SAR, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, utility and government missions. Bristow Group Inc. is the leading provider of helicopter services to the worldwide offshore energy industry based on the number of aircraft operated. Through its subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures, the Company has major transportation operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea, and in most of the other major offshore oil and gas producing regions of the world, including Alaska, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia and Trinidad.