Falcon Aviation Services of Abu Dhabi has signed a contract for two AW189 super medium helicopters in offshore transport configuration. The contract will expand its fleet of AgustaWestland aircraft, which already includes Grand and GrandNew types, and which will shortly be joined by the new AW169.

The AW189 is optimised for long range offshore transport and SAR missions and AgustaWestland has already received orders for 130 helicopters, including options and framework contracts.

Falcon has its main operating base at Al Bateen executive airport, situated in the city centre of Abu Dhabi. Its services include corporate jet charter, helicopter tourism, aerial photography and filming, aerial banner advertising, offshore and onshore oil and gas support, maintenance and management.

As reported by EBAN last month, the company has also taken on a pair of Bombardier CSeries Jetliners configured for vvip charter with a range of 4,000nm. These appealed to coo Mahmoud Ismael owing to their clean-sheet design and green cabin configuration. He is looking to increase his market presence in Africa, as at the moment the vast majority of Falcon's clients are based in Europe. The first CS300 is due to be delivered in 2016.