Gulf Helicopters of Qatar has signed a preliminary contract for 15 AW189 helicopters for offshore transport missions. The company already operates 13 AW139s with five more on order and has its own full flight simulator for the aircraft.

First flight for the AW189 took place in December and AgustaWestland ceo Bruno Spagnolini says: "We are delighted with the initial market response to the AW189. Gulf Helicopters is a major operator of the AW139 and we are confident that the AW189 will deliver the same levels of mission capability, performance, safety and cost effectiveness."

Launched in response to market demand for a multi-role helicopter in the eight-tonne class, the AW189 is said to be proving popular for long range missions, especially in the offshore oil and gas market. Due to enter service in early 2014, it is optimised for long range offshore transport and SAR missions. The cabin is configured with 16 seats as standard with the option for a high density 18-seat layout or a long range 12-seat configuration. Gulf Helicopters is owned by Qatar Petroleum, through the holding company, Gulf International Services and General Public of State of Qatar.

Gulf Helicopters has been providing helicopter services since 1970 working with companies throughout the Middle East, India, Far East and North Africa. It has an in-house maintenance facility and has provided helicopter services since 1970.