Bristow Group has signed a framework agreement including firm orders for 10 AW189 super medium helicopters plus 10 options. Bristow is currently operating 21 AW189s globally with another five due off the assembly line in 2024. The new framework agreement covers a fleet expansion plan for the 2025-28 period.

“The AW189 is a leading super medium helicopter offering reliable and safe long range, high capacity performance, while allowing for lower operating costs than traditional heavy helicopters,” says Bristow president and CEO Chris Bradshaw. “We are upgrading our fleet while taking a proactive approach to the evolving needs of our customers. In addition, this strategic investment will further our sustainability initiatives while driving EBITDA growth at attractive returns.”

Bristow uses the AW189 in its offshore energy services and government services business lines, supporting search and rescue operations in the UK, the Netherlands and, from 2025, in Ireland. The super medium AW189 delivers modern and safe long range, high endurance and high capacity, similar to larger and heavier type helicopters, while allowing lower operating costs. These new AW189s will offer added flexibility as well as superior operational and environmental performance, including lower CO2 emissions than comparable aircraft types. The new aircraft will also be capable of operating on SAFs in the future due to certification standards already received by Leonardo.

Leonardo MD Gian Piero Cutillo says: “This latest step supporting our key partner Bristow is further testament to the outstanding capabilities of the AW189 as the aircraft of choice in its category for energy support missions among prime operators and countries. We’re proud to continue to provide our contribution to Bristow with this type, its technology and support solutions.”

Bristow has been using a range of Leonardo aircraft types, including the AW119 single engine, AW109 light twin, AW139 intermediate twin and AW189 super medium, for more than 28 years. Its fleet of Leonardo Helicopters will account for nearly 110 units with the arrival of these additional 10 AW189 helicopters.

In 2022, Bristow signed a 10 year global service agreement for its offshore AW139 and AW189 fleet in operation across the globe, intended to deliver more efficient overall logistics and savings.

In addition to its Offshore Energy Services business, Bristow operates SAR-equipped AW189 helicopters in its Government Services business, including for HM Coastguard and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in the UK and the Netherlands Coastguard. Beginning in 2024, Bristow will operate AW189s for Coast Guard SAR aviation services in Ireland, a contract it won in 2023.