First AW189s to enter service in the UAE/Abu Dhabi

• The helicopters will be used for offshore transport missions
• FAS’ fleet will also include two AW169s

Finmeccanica – AgustaWestland announced today that Falcon Aviation Services (FALCON) of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) has taken delivery of two AW189 super medium helicopters in offshore transport configuration. The deliveries and entry into service in the UAE of the AW189 was marked  today by ceremony at Marina Mall Helipad in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa.

“It is a beginning of a new era for Falcon. With the modernization of our helicopter fleet we set a higher standard for offshore operations in the region. Being the first operator of AW189s in the United Arab Emirates, our involvement in achieving the ever growing demands of safety, reliability and fuel efficiency within the MENA region will deepen” His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa, Chairman of Falcon Aviation Services expressed.

The order was signed in October 2014 and expands Falcon’s fleet of AgustaWestland helicopters, which already includes light helicopters such as the Grand and GrandNew, and will shortly be joined by the new AW169.

The AW189 was designed in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole medium twin engine helicopter. The new 8.3 tonne AW189 is optimized for offshore transport and SAR missions and has already received orders for 150 helicopters making it the outright market leader in its class.

The AW189 is proving to be the helicopter of choice for demanding operations in the oil and gas industry. The spacious cabin is configured with 16 seats as standard with the option for a high density 19-seat layout. The cockpit design, incorporating the latest in advanced situational awareness technologies, reduces crew workload and enhances safety. The AW189 meets the very latest international regulatory safety requirements (EASA / FAA Part 29, JAR OPS 3 / EU-OPS) and is fully compliant with the latest requirements of the oil and gas producers helicopter operations guidelines.

Agusta Westland press release