UAE operator Falcon Aviation has secured a five-year contract to fulfil offshore and onshore oil and gas operations with Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). The company recently ordered three AW169 rotorcraft to deliver the service and the first two units are set to arrive in March, with the third following in April.

Expanding into Kuwait and adding personnel including pilots and administration staff signals significant growth for Falcon. “This is a very strategic contract for us; it was a strong international competition and fortunately we won the contract, which takes us into Kuwait for the first time,” comments COO Raman Oberoi. “We see an opportunity to provide safe and reliable services to KOC, and will work together to build a sustainable oil and gas support service.”

Leonardo SVP Emilio Dalmasso adds: “This contract builds on our 10-year partnership with Falcon, after it was the launch customer for the AW169 in the Middle East. We are convinced KOC will benefit from the capabilities, versatility and safety of this new generation helicopter, along with the great service and expertise of the operator.”

Falcon Aviation will establish the required infrastructure, including building a new hangar to house and maintain the three Leonardo AW169s.