Press Release

Issued by Leonardo Helicopters.

November 9, 2015

Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland announced today that Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) will be the first operator in the Middle East to use the all new AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopter for offshore oil and gas transportation services.

The announcement was made during an official ceremony held at the Dubai Airshow in presence of HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, ceo and vice chairman of Falcon Aviation Services. The aircraft will be delivered in early 2016. FAS has placed orders for two AW169s, one in offshore transport and one in executive transport configuration. Introducing the new generation AW169 into their fleet will expand the range of AgustaWestland helicopters operated by FAS which already comprises a mix of four light twin helicopters, comprising the Grand and GrandNew models, and two all new AW189 super medium class helicopters. 

The AW169 and AW189 models are part of AgustaWestland's family of new generation helicopters that also includes the AW139. These helicopters all possess the same high-performance flight characteristics and safety features whilst sharing the same common cockpit concept and design philosophy. This approach facilitates synergies for operators of fleets across the four to nine tonne weight categories in areas such as training, flight operations, maintenance and support.