The North Slope Borough of Alaska (NSB) has purchased two AW189 super-medium helicopters from Leonardo. The advanced aircraft, specifically outfitted with specialised EMS interiors, are set to significantly elevate the capabilities of the North Slope Borough’s SAR and EMS across its expansive 95,000 sqm service area, located entirely above the Arctic Circle.

The AW189 helicopters will replace the Borough’s current helicopter fleet and operate continuously, day and night, to perform essential missions. These missions include SAR operations to locate and assist distressed individuals, emergency medical services that provide immediate medical care to those injured or critically ill, inter-facility medical transport to transfer patients between medical centres and emergency supply transport.

“There is no doubt that operating and maintaining helicopters in the far north of Alaska has its challenges. When time is of the essence in responding to emergent situations, helicopters are a necessity, as they have served our people well since the North Slope’s inception,” says NSB’s search and rescue director Heather Dingman. “The NSB’s leadership team is confident that the acquisition of two AW189 helicopters will improve current availability to the residents of the North Slope, and we are honoured that Leonardo will be part of our story.”

“Leonardo Helicopters is honoured to collaborate with the North Slope Borough in the enhancement of its critical life-saving capabilities,” adds Enrico Canal, head of macro area sales N&C America at Leonardo Helicopters. “The AW189, distinguished by its advanced technology and robust design, is exceptionally equipped to operate in the demanding Arctic environment. Hence, it serves as a vital asset for the North Slope Borough in its life-saving missions.”

The AW189s, featuring advanced full icing protection systems, are designed for safe and reliable operations in extreme conditions, including heavy ice and snow, even when winter temperatures plunge to a staggering -40 degrees Fahrenheit (also -40 Celsius). Combining these sophisticated technologies and mission capabilities ensures that the NSB can provide timely and effective responses to emergencies, reinforcing Leonardo’s and the NSB’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its Alaskan residents and strengthening the capabilities of its dedicated SAR team to serve remote communities in the challenging Arctic environment.

Over 140 AW189s have been ordered by operators worldwide to date, with 90 of them already in service. The type has been chosen and is in service performing long-range, high-capacity rescue missions with many leading operators also in the North Sea and in the Mediterranean Sea as well as in Southeast Asia and the Far East. After around 10 years since its certification, the AW189 remains the world leader in the super-medium helicopter class by market size, number of operators, countries and applications, including search and rescue, emergency medical service, firefighting/disaster relief, offshore transport, law enforcement and passenger transport. The AW189 is growing its presence in existing customers’ fleets as well as being selected by all new operators, particularly in the public service and energy markets.