Bel Air, which has its main base at Esbjerg airport in Denmark, has taken delivery of its first AW189 super medium helicopter. The aircraft will be used for offshore oil and gas transport missions in the North Sea, and a second helicopter is due to arrive shortly. The company has also signed a preliminary sales contract to purchase a third AW189 to enhance its long range capabilities.

Bel Air already operates AW139 rotorcraft and has a total requirement for six super mediums.

The AW189's spacious 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. The cockpit design reduces crew workload and enhances safety, and the aircraft is said to be unique in having a 50-minute 'run-dry' main gear box, exceeding current certification standards and offering exceptional safety and reliability for long range offshore operations.

The operator was established in 1994 and in addition to its offshore oil and gas work flies for wind farms in the North Sea. It is the official AgustaWestland service centre for the AW139 in Denmark and will be also for the AW189 soon.

Bel Air has signed a five-year training contract, including simulator training, for the AW139 and AW189. Lufttransport of Norway has signed a similar three-year flight simulator contract with AgustaWestland for the AW139 and AW169. These latest contracts will enable 500 simulator flights to be delivered across the AW range.

The cockpits of these types share a common concept and design and are often deployed for offshore transport, EMS and SAR. Following the launch of the AW189 and AW169, a range of support and training services for the types has been developed, including distance learning solutions, virtual and ground maintenance trainers, a flight training device and full flight simulators available with the first aircraft delivery.

Courses are designed to maximise the benefits of the family to enable rapid type transition, lowering training costs and simplifying type introduction.