Leonardo and Bristow Group Unc. (NYSE: VTOL), a global leader in the provision of innovative and sustainable vertical flight services, have announced a Framework Agreement with firm orders for ten AW189 helicopters and options for ten additional units. Bristow currently employs 21 AW189s globally, with a further five rolling off the assembly line this year. The new Framework Agreement provides for a fleet expansion plan for the period 2025-2028.
Bristow deploys the AW189 for offshore transport in support of the energy industry and for government services in support of search and rescue operations in the UK, the Netherlands and, from early 2025, Ireland. The AW189, the most successful model in its weight category, guarantees modern design, wide range of action and autonomy, high safety and load capacity close to larger and heavier models but with lower operating costs.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, declared “This latest step taken in support of Bristow is further proof of the extraordinary capabilities of the AW189, a reference model in its category for support tasks for the energy industry at major operators and in important countries. We are proud to continue to contribute to Bristow with this helicopter, its technology and related product support solutions.".
Bristow, a partner of Leonardo for over 28 years, has a fleet of a wide range of models, including the single-engine AW119, the light twin-engine AW109, the intermediate-class twin-engine AW139 and the 'super-medium' class twin-engine AW189 . The Bristow fleet of Leonardo helicopters will number almost 110 units with the arrival of these additional ten AW189s.
In 2022 the two partners signed an agreement for a ten-year global support services program for the AW139 and AW189 fleets in service around the world. This new service program is aimed at ensuring even more efficient logistics and savings for the operator, highlighting the value of Leonardo's logistical support, increasing performance in different geographical areas. The AW189, belonging to Leonardo's new generation helicopter family and with a maximum take-off weight of 8,3/8,6 tonnes, combines superior load capacity and range with advanced technology to successfully carry out a wide range of missions such as support for the energy industry, passenger transport, search and rescue, firefighting, public order. Unique features of the helicopter include the ability of the transmission to continue operating regularly for 50 minutes without lubricant and an auxiliary power system.
The AW189 is available with over 200 mission kits and a complete package of support services and training customized to the specific needs of operators in order to maximize mission effectiveness and safety. As a recent example, this helicopter model has achieved certification to automatically transmit performance data to a ground station using in-flight satellite communications, 4G connectivity or ground-based Wi-Fi. It provides a secure way to share an accurate representation of each individual flight so that Leonardo technicians can evaluate the data quickly, thus optimizing maintenance and support. Over 140 AW189s have been ordered to date, with more than 90 delivered to operators around the world. Ten years after its certification, the AW189 remains the most successful helicopter in its category in terms of market presence, number of operators, countries and applications.
