AgustaWestland, announced that Era Group (“Era”) has signed a contract for five AW189 helicopters plus options. These aircraft will be used to perform long range offshore transport missions. Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business Unit, AgustaWestland said “We are delighted to have signed this contract with Era, a major player in the oil and gas transportation market and already a well established AW139 operator. Introducing the AW189 into its fleet will allow Era to utilise the very latest technology for long range offshore transport missions while benefitting from the unique common design philosophy shared by the AW139 and AW189 as part of the AgustaWestland family of next generation commercial helicopters.”  The AW189 was launched in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole helicopter in the 8-tonne class and has rapidly found success for long range missions, especially in the offshore oil and gas market, with firm orders and options nearing 60 units to date.

With the maiden flight performed in December 2011 and certification expected in 2013, the twin engine AW189 helicopter is optimised for the long range offshore transport and SAR missions. The spacious cabin is configured with 16 seats as standard with the option for a high density 18 seat layout or a long range 12 seat configuration. The cockpit design, incorporating the latest in advanced situational awareness technologies, will reduce crew workload and enhance safety. The AW189 will meet the very latest international regulatory safety requirements (EASA / FAA Part 29, JAR OPS 3 / EU-OPS). The AW189 will benefit from the extensive and expanding AgustaWestland worldwide support network already serving the offshore oil and gas industry. A comprehensive array of simulator and training devices will progressively be made available to serve the worldwide AW189 customer base. The AW189 is part of AgustaWestland’s family of new generation helicopters that includes the AW169 and AW139 models. These helicopters all possess the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features and share the same common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concepts. This approach will deliver real cost savings in areas such as training, maintenance and support for existing operators of the AW139 who add AW189 and/or AW169 helicopters to their fleets.