CHC Helicopter’s AW139 helicopter fleet has set a major operational milestone by reaching 100,000 flight hours, with the fleet leader achieving over 9,000 flight hours in less than eight years. A leading AW139 customer, CHC operates more than 40 AW139s globally performing a wide range of missions including offshore transport, search and rescue and emergency medical service.

The events mark a major achievement for the AW139 intermediate helicopter model, which is best in its class with a 56% share of the world market. More than 850,000 flight hours have been logged so far by approximately 650 aircraft that are in service today. The global fleet is now expected to achieve 1 million flight hours by mid-2014.

The strong partnership between AgustaWestland and CHC has played an important role in ensuring that the AW139’s mission effectiveness enhancements through the Maintenance Improvement Team and the development and implementation of new support solutions, such as the HUMS (Health and Usage Monitoring System) advanced anomaly detection system, continue to deliver greater capabilities.

CHC has also been benefitting from a comprehensive range of training services in support of their specific missions, with more than 200 pilots being trained worldwide every year by the AgustaWestland Training Network, logging approximately 1,200 flight hours on Level D Full Flight Simulators.

CHC’s training benefits from the partnership between AgustaWestland, CHC and CAE, allowing AgustaWestland to deliver customized training solutions, aligned with CHC Standard Operating Procedures, based on Competence and Line Orientation. Availability of tailored training curricula to the operators needs and expectations allows AgustaWestland to deliver effective training solutions that greatly enhances safety for passengers and flight crews, as well as operational effectiveness.

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.

More than 200 customers from 60 countries have ordered nearly 760 AW139 helicopters to perform a wide range of roles including offshore transport, EMS/SAR, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, utility and government missions.