Omni Helicopters International Group (OHI) has signed a contract for a total amount of nine helicopters including four AW139 intermediate twin-engine and five AW189 8.3 ton helicopters in offshore configuration. The contract completes the framework agreement which included a total requirement for 13 AW139s and adds the AW189, marking the entrance of this new generation model in the Brazilian market, where OHI Group operates supporting the oil and gas industry. Deliveries of these latest AW139s and the AW189s will start in late 2015 and late 2016 respectively. This latest agreement brings the total number of AgustaWestland helicopters ordered by OHI Group to 18, with the first seven AW139s already in service with already 7000 flight hours since the first delivery in 2012 and two in delivery in 2014. Beside the purchase contract of AW139 and AW189, AW and OHI has also sign a multiyear training agreements and for service plan for the current operative fleet of AW139s with the option to include also the ones to be delivered in the coming years. The total deal is valued at approximately 125 million euro.

Daniele Romiti, Chief Operating Officer, AgustaWestland said “We are proud to see OHI Group added to the ever expanding list of leading operators who have chosen our unique Family advantage to perform a significant step ahead in mission effectiveness, safety and efficiency. This contract not only confirms the confidence of this key offshore operator in the unmatched capabilities of the AW139, but also expands our partnership with the introduction of the new comer AW189 to this most important Brazilian player with aggressive international growth plans. We are sure our Family approach is set to find incredible success in Brazil and elsewhere.”

Commenting on the expanded scope of the contract with AgustaWestland, and this increased commitment to the AW139 and AW189 Richard Burman, Chief Executive Officer, OHI, stated: “OHI is excited by the planned expansion of its fleet and by the extension of the already extensive and positive agreement with AgustaWestland. Continuing, he noted that the commitment is made with an absolute confidence in the AngloItalian manufacturer itself, as well as in the safe and technically advanced aircraft and support supplied by them. We need these additional aircraft in order to facilitate ongoing fleet rationalization and growth in Brazil as well as entry into other markets elsewhere in the world, he went on to add.”

State-of-the-art technology, outstanding performance, low operating costs and the only helicopter in its class to meet the latest safety standards, 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 8.0 m3 cabin with excellent ease of access and egress via large sliding cabin doors. Comprehensive and customized support and training solutions coupled with the AW139’s ease of maintenance allow the aircraft to achieve high flying rates and high levels of dispatch reliability. Over 200 customers from more than 60 countries have ordered over 750 AW139 helicopters so far.

The AW189 was designed in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole medium helicopter. The new 8-tonne class, twin engine helicopter is optimized for long range offshore transport and SAR missions and has already received about 130 orders, including framework agreements and options, making it the outright market leader in its class. The AW189 is expected to achieve operational readiness with the first batch of customers in the coming months. 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.

The AW139 and AW189 are part of the AgustaWestland Family of new generation helicopters that includes the AW169. These types 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 ton categories.

OHI Group is a major provider of helicopter services to the offshore energy industry. Through its subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures, the Company is rapidly expanding its offshore helicopter operations in the oil and gas producing regions of the world.