The AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter fleet operated by Gulf Helicopters of Qatar has achieved the milestone of 50,000 flight hours. Gulf Helicopter is one of the largest AW139 operators worldwide and a prime player in the Middle East with 17 helicopters of this type already in service. Gulf Helicopters first ordered the AW139 in 2007 for offshore transport missions as part of its fleet renewal and expansion plans. Gulf Helicopters is also an AgustaWestland authorized service centre for AW139s and also one of the first helicopter companies to have its own AW139 full flight simulator to support its own operations and for third party use. Additionally, Gulf Helicopters was established as an AgustaWestland Authorised Training Centre for the type in September 2013.

Gulf Helicopters will also benefit from the advantages of AgustaWestland’s Family of new generation helicopters having signed an order for fifteen new generation AW189 super medium helicopters, with the first two aircraft scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2014.  The training activities also will benefit from the recent purchase of an AW189 EASA CS-FSTD(H) FFS Level C Simulator from AgustaWestland.

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 intermediate twin market. 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 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. Excellent payload and performance ensure unmatched productivity for offshore operations. Over 200 customers from more than 60 countries have ordered over 750 helicopters to perform a wide range of roles including offshore transport, EMS/SAR, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, utility and government missions. Gulf Helicopters is a subsidiary of Gulf International Services, Q.S.C.  Gulf Helicopters has provided helicopter services since 1970 and operates with companies throughout the Middle East, India and North Africa. Gulf Helicopters has its own in-house maintenance facility with a team of highly qualified and experienced engineers undertaking fleet maintenance and modification work.