Doha-based Gulf Helicopters is off to a positive start with its first batch of AW189 helicopters, having hosted an official launch ceremony in November and inviting business aviation representatives.

Four AW189s have entered service, with two aircraft supporting offshore oil and gas operations in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean. Gulf Helicopters has a total of 15 AW189s on order with deliveries scheduled to be completed by 2017.

The operator has also launched a tourism project in collaboration with Qatar Tourism Authority named Samana – 'Our Skies' – providing helicopter tours and sightseeing in and around Qatar.

“The more efficient and developed the transport sector, the more efficient and developed the tourism sector becomes,” said Jassim Al Sulaiti, minister of transport.