Gulf Helicopters of Qatar has become the launch customer for Leonardo's all-new AW189K variant. The company is an established AW139 and AW189 operator and a major force in the offshore sector, and will introduce the AW189K into service in the second half of 2020.

Powered by a pair of latest generation Safran Helicopter Engines' Aneto-1K 2,500 shp class turboshafts, the AW189K can perform efficient long range, high endurance and large capacity operations with lower operating costs compared to larger, heavier types. It delivers a high level of performance, particularly in hot and high conditions, and is ideally suited to meet customer requirements across a range of geographies, including the Middle East.

The AW189K is currently under development with over 350 flight hours logged to date.

Gulf Helicopters is a subsidiary of Gulf International Services, and has provided helicopter services since 1970 and operates with companies throughout the Middle East, India, North Africa and Europe.