Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-headquartered offshore rotary operator Weststar Aviation Services has signed a contract with Leonardo, valued at around 50 million euros, for three AW169 and two AW139 helicopters set to fly in west Africa and the Middle East.

The three AW169s will support Weststar's ExxonMobil and Noble contract in Equatorial Guinea, while the two AW139s are bound for the Al-Khafji Joint Operations contract in Saudi Arabia, which is a joint venture between Kuwait Gulf Oil Company and Aramco Gulf Operations.

“This procurement further strengthens the partnership between Weststar and Leonardo and is a key factor in our overseas business expansion,” comments Weststar group MD Tan Sri Dr. Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim. “The AW169 and the AW139 twin-engine helicopters are the most successful new generation models in their class worldwide, and the most demanded helicopter types in the oil and gas industry. We are pleased to purchase yet more helicopters from Leonardo to support our offshore helicopter operations.”

Leonardo MD Gian Piero Cutillo adds: “Weststar is one of our most important helicopter customers worldwide and we are happy to confirm our leading position in the offshore market in the region. There are now over 60 Leonardo Helicopters in Malaysia, where we have our regional customer support and training hub, and we plan to increase our presence even further in the future by expanding the services we offer.”

Since commencing its operations in 2003, Weststar Aviation Services has grown to be a global key player in the offshore helicopter industry. It currently operates 33 AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters out of bases in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.