Bond Aviation Group & AgustaWestland Sign MoU for Helicopter Purchase (UK)

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Bond Aviation Group, announce that they have signed an MoU today that will see both companies work together to establish a multi-year contract covering the purchase of AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters for offshore oil and gas support, HEMS, SAR and emergency service missions, together with support to the emerging offshore wind-farm market.

The MoU was signed by Geoff Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Bond Aviation Group and Emilio Dalmasso, Senior VP Commercial Business, AgustaWestland, today, during the Helitech exhibition being held at Duxford near Cambridge in the UK.

 Emilio Dalmasso, Senior VP Commercial Business, AgustaWestland, said after the signing “The signing of the MoU is a step towards what we hope will see Bond becoming a major operator of AgustaWestland’s AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters. We look forward to expanding our existing relationship with Bond and ultimately seeing them add more AW139s to their fleet and becoming a customer for the new AW169 and AW189 helicopters which offer exciting new opportunities.” Peter Bond, Bond Aviation Group’s Chairman said “Bond already operate a number of AgustaWestland aircraft and recognise AgustaWestland as a respected manufacturer. These aircraft types could significantly enhance our business in specific market areas. There are promising markets emerging and through these markets Bond will ensure future growth.”

State-of-the-art technology, outstanding performance, low operating costs and the only helicopter in its class to meet the latest safety standards, have made the AW139 the helicopter of choice in the medium twin market. Over one third of sales have been in the offshore oil and gas transportation market, making it the clear market leader in its class. Over 560 AW139s have been sold in more than 50 countries to almost 160 customers for many roles including VIP/corporate transport, passenger transport, law enforcement, fire fighting, offshore transport, search and rescue, emergency medical service, disaster relief and maritime security. A versatile, new generation twin engine light intermediate category helicopter, the AW169 has been designed in response to the growing market demand for an aircraft that delivers high performance, meets all the latest safety standards and has multi-role capabilities. The 4.5 tonne AW169 incorporates several new technology features to provide the highest levels of safety and operational benefits for its customers. New generation technologies are incorporated in the rotor system, engines, avionics, transmission and electric power generation and distribution systems. The AW169 is set to be the most advanced and cost/effective helicopter in its class for EMS/SAR, law enforcement, passenger and offshore transport and utility missions. The AW189 was launched this year in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole helicopter in the 8-tonne class. Entering service in early 2014, the twin engine AW189 helicopter is optimised for the long range offshore transport and SAR missions. The spacious cabin is configured with 16 seats as standard with the option for a high density 18 seat layout or an ultra long range 12 seat configuration. Bond Aviation Group, sister company of the INAER Group, is through its subsidiaries Bond Offshore Helicopters and Bond Air Services a leading provider of offshore and onshore helicopter services in the UK and Ireland. It provides helicopter transport to offshore oil and gas rigs as well as search and rescue, police, air ambulance and offshore wind-farm support services. In 2011 it introduced the AW139 into its fleet supporting offshore platforms in the southern North Sea. Bond Aviation Group companies also provide a wide range of helicopter training services.

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Source: agustawestland, September 29, 2011