AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, announced that Era Group Inc. (“Era”) has signed a contract for ten AW189 helicopters plus options. This contract confirms and increases Era’s commitment to the AW189 following the signing of a preliminary sales contract for five aircraft in July 2012. The aircraft will be used to perform long range offshore oil and gas transport missions. Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business Unit, AgustaWestland said “We are delighted to have signed this contract with Era, one of the largest and most important helicopter transportation providers in the oil and gas market.” He added “As a well established AW139 operator, Era will benefit from the unique common design philosophy shared by the AW139 and AW189 as part of the AgustaWestland family of new generation commercial helicopters.”

The AW189 was designed in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole medium helicopter. With deliveries set to start later this year, the new 8-tonne class, twin engine helicopter is optimised for long range offshore transport and SAR missions and has already received nearly 80 orders, making it the outright market leader in its class since its launch at Paris Air Show in June 2011. With the maiden flight performed in December 2011 and EASA civil certification is  expected on schedule this summer with FAA certification to follow. The first AW189 helicopters will be delivered to customers in late 2013. 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, reduces crew workload and enhances safety. The AW189 will meet 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 long range offshore operations.

Agusta Westland press release