The AW139 helicopter fleet operated by Gulf Helicopters of Qatar has achieved the milestone of 50,000 flight hours. As one of the largest AW139 operators worldwide, Gulf Helicopters has 17 of the type already in service. It first ordered the aircraft in 2007 for offshore transport missions as part of its fleet renewal and expansion plans, and is now an AgustaWestland authorised service and training centre for AW139s, with its own full flight simulator.

The operator has also signed an order for 15 AW189 rotorcraft, announced in February 2012, with the first two deliveries scheduled for the second half of this year. Training activities in the Gulf will benefit from the recent purchase of an AW189 Level C simulator from the manufacturer.

Gulf Helicopters has provided helicopter services since 1970 and operates with companies throughout the Middle East, India and north Africa. Its in-house maintenance facility employs a team of experienced engineers for fleet maintenance and modification work.