New Order With the Italians Adds 10 to 20 Leonardo AW189s

Bristow Helicopter is collecting more Leonardo aircraft with an order for 10 firm aircraft, and options for 10 more.

The deal highlights Bristow's expansion plans from the 2025 to 2028 time frame. Business is booming for the firm, thanks to considerable demand for Offshore Energy Services, executive transport, and some new contracts across Northern Europe for Search & Rescue services. With all that work to be done, Bristow wants to capitalize on demand above and beyonds its current stable of 21 AW189s. That's not the whole kaboodle, either, since Bristow is still expecting 5 more of them from a previous order. All in all, the AW189 fleet could end up anywhere from 36 to 46 aircraft with the most recent order. 

Leonardo says its "super medium" AW189 delivers the right blend of range, endurance, and capacity relative to larger and heavier aircraft, with lower operating costs and an up-to-date flight deck. No word yet on exactly how the new additions will be outfitted, either. Now that Bristow will soon be handling patrols in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Ireland, some of the new aircraft will undoubtedly be equipped with suitable equipment packages.

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director for Leonardo Helicopters was content to announce the deal. “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.” 

FMI: www.leonardo.com