Abu Dhabi-based Falcon Aviation Services has signed firm orders for two AW169 helicopters, following on from the preliminary sales contract of September 2011. The latest aircraft will be added to a fleet which already includes a mix of four light twin Grand and GrandNew models.

The company has also signed a letter of intent with Pilatus for the PC-24, dubbed the super versatile jet, which is currently under development. The letter confirms the operator's strong interest in the aircraft, as emphasised by H H Dr Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, FAS chairman: “When Pilatus announced the PC-24 in May this year I immediately recognised the enormous potential for an aircraft with such unique specification and performance data in the GCC. With its hallmark cargo door, the spacious cabin and the flat floor it can easily be configured to fulfill a broad variety of missions for our customers,” he says.

“The PC-24's capability to operate from short and unimproved runways makes the aircraft a true game changer in a class of its own. I fully trust in the expertise of the Pilatus staff ensuring that the PC-24 will meet or exceed its design goals and look forward to seeing the aircraft join the Falcon Aviation Service fleet.”

FAS' main operating base at Al Bateen Executive airport is centrally situated, and the operator runs a variety of missions including corporate jet charter, helicopter tourism, aerial photography and filming, aerial banner advertising, offshore and on-shore oil and gas support, aircraft maintenance and aircraft management. It believes that the AW169 will enforce its commitment to provide the latest innovation to its customers.