Bristow Group and Leonardo are celebrating the operational readiness of a brand new AW139 Level D full flight simulator at Bristow Helicopters' simulation hall in Dyce, Aberdeen. This latest system, developed by Leonardo and CAE through their Rotorsim joint venture, adds to an existing AW189 Level D full flight simulator that is already in service, expanding the number of available simulation devices and further strengthening the level of capabilities provided to Bristow and third-party crews.

A one-of-a-kind facility in the UK, the purpose-built centre houses simulators, six classrooms and specialist instructors, and is a vital resource for Bristow's oil and gas, and SAR pilots. The move demonstrates the partners' commitment to ensure the best level of service is provided as close to crucial areas of operations as possible, such as in the North Sea, one of the most important areas for long range offshore missions, and search and rescue operations, supporting the energy industry as well as local communities. The AW139 is one of the most used helicopters for both these types of missions in this region, with Bristow being one of the leading AW139 operators globally.

The simulator's arrival was committed to in writing almost two years before the current celebration. At European Rotors 2024, Bristow Group and Leonardo finalised a package of long-term agreements covering enhanced Power-by-the-Hour maintenance for both the AW139 and AW189 fleets, a dedicated AW189 simulator training programme in Aberdeen, and the purchase of the new AW139 Level D FFS, with service entry targeted for 2026.

Fabrizio Peano, Leonardo Helicopters' vice president simulation and training services, states: “This milestone marks an important moment for us, CAE and Bristow, at a time when we carry out our Safety Seminar in Aberdeen. Training and simulation technologies are essential enablers to guarantee maximised benefits from customers' helicopter use and to consistently raise the bar of operational safety. We're excited to celebrate this latest result together, and we look forward to supporting Bristow, and other potential users, as they begin to utilise this new device.”

Nigel Piercey, Bristow's head of UK training, adds: “We are delighted to see the AW139 simulator now installed at our Aberdeen training centre. This new simulator will provide a tremendous capability for supporting pilots as they train on the AW139 aircraft, delivering mission-critical services for our UK and international customers.”

Bristow Helicopters was awarded the 10-year, £1.6bn UKSAR2G contract by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency and is transitioning to a mixed rotary fleet of nine AW189s, six AW139s and three Sikorsky S-92s, with transition running from 30 September 2024 through 31 December 2026.