19-Mar-2012Source: Shell Nigeria
Shell companies in Nigeria have supported an indigenous company, Caverton Helicopters, to upgrade its fleet with more advanced aircraft, the AW 139. By providing a loan of $85 million, Shell Nigeria empowered Caverton to place orders for six AW 139s, making it the largest operator of the aircraft in Sub-Saharan Africa. Two aircraft would be... Read more
8-Mar-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the first of ten Italian Air Force’s HH-139A medium twin engine helicopters has entered operational service. A ceremony held today at Cervia Air Base marked this achievement. These helicopters will supplement ageing HH-212 and HH-3F helicopters in the role of search and rescue operations across the... Read more
8-Mar-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is aware from media of an investigation being conducted by the Government of Ontario into the operations of Ornge. While negative remarks about the AgustaWestland relationship with Ornge as well as the AW139 helicopter have been made from time to time in press articles, we should like to emphasize the following: 1) AgustaWestland has... Read more
5-Mar-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Bond Offshore Helicopters have now registered their third AgustaWestland AW139 with the UK Civil Aviation Authority. G-PERD will join the first pair G-PERA and G-PERB which were acquired in March and May of 2011. The alphabetic sequence was broken due to G-PERC being currently allocated to a Cameron hot air balloon, and the UK CAA... Read more
4-Mar-2012Source: HeliHub.com
On Saturday morning, a brand new AW139 landed at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport – presumably on a delivery flight from the factory in Italy. We understand it was en route to be based at Den Helder for Southern North Sea work. Registered PH-EUG and in full CHC colours, the helicopter is serial number 31407, the most... Read more
27-Feb-2012Source: The Record
Roughly $25 million dollars raised by Ornge with Ontario taxpayers’ help cannot be accounted for. Investigators, financial and criminal, are digging into the case to see if the money was blown on a spending spree, bad business decisions or if some of it lined executives’ pockets. (see full story)... Read more
21-Feb-2012Source: Ontario Health
Ontario is taking action to strengthen accountability, oversight and transparency at the province’s air ambulance system — Ornge. The government will introduce legislation to help restore public confidence in the system and take further measures to enhance patient safety. The new performance agreement will increase accountability through: Mandatory approval by the Minister for any changes... Read more
21-Feb-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau has signed a contract for two AW139 medium twin helicopters. These aircraft, which add to one AW109 Power and two CA109 Power light twins already in service with this customer, will be used to perform law enforcement, fire fighting and... Read more
17-Feb-2012
ONtario Ministry of Health as called in the Police in regard of two transactions – a $6.7-million payment AgustaWestland channelled back to Ornge, as part of the air ambulance’s purchase of 12 helicopters for $148-million, and a $1.2-million loans made to former CEO Chris Mazza (see full story)... Read more
15-Feb-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Exclases Holdings Ltd. has signed a contract for two AW169, two AW139 and two AW189 helicopters. This purchase marks the entrance of the new generation AW169 and AW189 models into the Russian market and further expands the presence of AgustaWestland in Russia. Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice... Read more
14-Feb-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Bond Aviation Group, are pleased to announce that they have signed a Framework Agreement for 15 helicopters comprising ten firm orders and five options. The Framework Agreement, which includes AW169, AW139 and AW189 aircraft, was signed by James Drummond, Chief Executive Officer, Inaer Group, and Emilio Dalmasso, Senior VP Commercial... Read more
14-Feb-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the signing of contracts for four additional AW139 medium twin helicopters in Japan through its distributor Mitsui Bussan Aerospace. Two of the AW139s will be designated for the civil market and two will be operated by the Japan National Police Agency (JNPA) to perform multi-role law enforcement... Read more
13-Feb-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Arrow Aviation has been appointed as an AgustaWestland Service Centre in the USA for the AW119 single engine and the AW139 medium twin helicopters. Headquartered in Broussard, Louisiana, Arrow Aviation will provide maintenance and repair services as well as maintaining a spare parts inventory for these... Read more
13-Feb-2012Source: Libra Group
Lease Corporation International (LCI), the aviation division of global conglomerate the Libra Group, and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, have signed an agreement covering the purchase of a fleet of AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters for a new division being set up by the lessor. The related contract, which also includes options, is valued in excess... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: P&WC
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is pleased to announce the signing of a new Guaranteed Maintenance Cost Plan agreement with DanCopter AS, a subsidiary of Blueway AS, for comprehensive maintenance support of its new PT6C-67C engines. Blueway AS of Norway is a leading helicopter company in Northern Europe. Pratt & Whitney Canada Customer Service Centre Europe worked closely... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: P&WC
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) announced today at Helicopter Association International’s HELI-EXPO 2012 that it has delivered its 1,000th PT6C-67C engine to AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company. Pratt & Whitney Canada is a United Technologies Corp. company (NYSE:UTX). The PT6C-67C, the latest generation engine in the PT6C turboshaft family, powers the AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter. This family of engines was... Read more
12-Feb-2012Source: P&WC
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is celebrating a major milestone with the delivery of its 75,000th engine. The engine, a PT6C-67C, was delivered recently to AgustaWestland for installation on the AW139. P&WC is a United Technologies Corp. company (NYSE:UTX). P&WC’s relationship with AgustaWestland is in its fifth decade. Since delivery of the first Twin-Pac® engine for the... Read more
11-Feb-2012Source: Toronto Star
It’s almost daily we can bring you an update on the ORNGE saga. Now Alf Apps tendered his resignation Friday afternoon from law firm Fasken Martineau. Apps was listed as a counsel to the firm, not a partner. Apps is also chairman of a company ORNGE chose last fall to try to raise $15 million... Read more
11-Feb-2012
Just weeks after Ornge representatives confirmed an Oshawa airport base for the air ambulance service was still moving forward, the fate of the Oshawa project is now in question. (see full story)... Read more
10-Feb-2012Source: FlightSafety
FlightSafety International announces that its new Level D qualified AgustaWestland AW139 full flight simulator will feature the company’s latest advances in simulation technology including a 220° x 60° field of view glass mirror display. “Incorporating FlightSafety’s latest advances in technology into our Level D qualified simulators will significantly enhance the training we provide,†said Bruce... Read more
9-Feb-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Ontario’s air ambulance operator Ornge has had a number of problems recently, a number of them documented here on HeliHub.com. One ongoing aspect is the “emergency room in the air” EMS interior fitted to the AW139s which have been deemed unsuitable for the role they are intended for. Problems identified particularly include the height of... Read more
8-Feb-2012Source: CHC
The following press release was released by CHC today, following publication of the UK Government press release. However, HeliHub.com was the first aviation press outlet in the world to release this story – five days ago – here. Nick Mair, regional vice president for Western North Sea at CHC Helicopter, was in London for the... Read more
5-Feb-2012Source: ABC
Mick Wilson, 41, was being winched to an injured canyoner at Carrington Falls on December 24 when the cable was cut and the paramedic fell to his death. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau says it has completed examinations into the helicopter and winch and found that neither could have contributed to the accident. (see full... Read more
3-Feb-2012Source: Ornge
Today, Duff and Phelps was appointed by the court as trustee in bankruptcy for Ornge Global GP Inc. and Ornge Global Holdings LP, the for-profit arm of Ornge. This results, by operation of law, in the immediate termination of the remaining employees of the bankrupt Global entities, being Dr. Chris Mazza, President and CEO, and... Read more
30-Jan-2012
Ron McKerlie, interim CEO of Ornge, confirmed in an interview on Friday that the previous management of Ornge posted the tender notice for the AW139 EMS interior contract “under a category that would have made it difficult for any reasonable person to find itâ€. Ornge ended up with medical interiors that are rife with problems,... Read more
30-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The ORNGE debacle goes on… Ron McKerlie, interim chief executive officer of Ornge, confirmed to the Canadian press on Friday that the previous management had quietly ordered two more AW139s with taxpayers money without any announcement either in Canada or within the helicopter industry. The pair had not physically been brought to Canada, or fitted... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: PSAC
The Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) today announced it has helped raise a total of more than $5.3 million for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) over 18 years of presenting the annual STARS & Spurs Gala. This year’s gala brought in the highest total ever raised in the history of the event... Read more
17-Jan-2012Source: STARS
The 19th annual STARS Lottery officially launches today with 3,200 prizes worth over $5.2 million retail. The STARS Lottery raised over $10 million net during the 2011 campaign and continues to be the single largest source of funding to keep STARS in the sky. “STARS flies an average of four missions a day in Alberta,... Read more
17-Jan-2012Source: DurhamRegion.com
Despite recent changes at the top of the organization, Ornge is still planning to open a new base at the Oshawa Municipal Airport. (see full story)... Read more
14-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Frankly, the more we hear about Ornge, the more the whole thing looks like an example of corporate mismanagement to the level of an unmitigated disaster. The latest situation being reported by Canadian press is that now-departed COO Tom Lepine confirmed yesterday that Ornge leased a hangar at Hamilton, Onterio in December 2010 for around... Read more
13-Jan-2012Source: Ornge
Below is a statement sent to staff from Ron McKerlie: Yesterday the Board of Directors of Ornge announced their decision to accept the recommendations of the Government of Ontario regarding the appointment of an interim President and CEO. Following that announcement the honorable Deb Matthews, Minister for Health and Long Term Care, announced that I... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: ORNGE
Mississauga, Ontario – Today, the Ornge Board of Directors has accepted the recommendation from the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to appoint a senior member of the public service as an Interim President and CEO. The board determined that it is in the best interests of the organization to resign as soon as a... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The second half of 2011 saw approximately 1,000 more passengers fly on the scheduled route between Algeciras in Spain and Ceuta in Morroco, which is flown by INAER group company Helisureste using an AgustaWestland AW139. Algeciras Heliport, located close to the city of Cadiz, was launched in July 2010 and the first six months of... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Toronto Star
The dream of getting rich at ORNGE air ambulance ended Wednesday as high-paid executives lost their jobs, a series of mysterious for-profit companies were shuttered and well-paid board members were given the boot. (see full story).... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
AgustaWestland has issued a statement this morning regarding the article originally published by Macau Business which we reported on earlier today in which it claimed Sky Shuttle had “sold four of its five Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters and continues to operate with Sikorsky S76C+ helicopters†– see Sky Shuttle sells AW139 fleet AW says that... Read more
3-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
In a press release back in October 2009, the Hong Kong proudly announced “Sky Shuttle’s fleet conversion programme to progressively phase-out its Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopters and bring into commercial service, the first of its six, brand new, high-performance AW 139 helicopters”. But now, local press are reporting they have changed their mind and have sold... Read more
2-Jan-2012Source: Ornge
Below is an internal memo released on December 23, 2011. Sent on behalf of Tom Lepine, Maria Renzella and Rick Potter (HeliHub Editor note – click here to see profiles of these executives) We know that over the past few weeks, many of you, valued members of the Ornge family, have been upset and concerned... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: Caverton Helicopters
Caverton Helicopters of Nigeria has recently taken delivery of three (3) medium twin Agusta Westland helicopters to be used for offshore transport duties in support of the Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria. The helicopters are to be ferried from the Agusta factory in Vergiate, Italy to Nigeria and expected to commence commercial operations in... Read more
24-Dec-2011
During winch operations, something occurred at the bottom of the line which has necessitated the cutting of the winch line and releasing it from the helicopter. As a result, paramedic Michael Wilson on the end of the line received injuries from which he died. No implication on the helicopter itself, more about the environment.... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: The Star
AgustaWestland’s American office struck a $6.7 million deal to hire a Toronto firm made up of ORNGE executives to provide it with “sales and marketing services.†(see full story)... Read more
20-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Having recently transferred an older AW139 from Netherlands to Kazakstan, the operator has replaced it with a new AW139 from the factory in Italy. Registered PH-EUE, serial number 31387 should now be at their Den Helder base and will soon be ready for North Sea operations. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: Era Helicopters
Era Training Center (ETC) is pleased to announce that its first AW139 flight simulation training device (FSTD) has been FAA-certified as a Level 6 FSTD. This certification will allow helicopter operators to conduct AW139 training in ETC’s device under CFR Part 61 or train in the FSTD with their own instructors. ETC’s AW139 FSTD has... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
CHC has processed a registration transfer to allow it to operate an AW139 in Kazakhstan. Operating until recently from North Denes in the UK, G-CHCV was noted in early November being worked on in Stavangar, Norway – perhaps in preparation for its new role. C-CHCV is serial 41005, a 2007 manufactured aircraft which had 3,007... Read more
13-Dec-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the first two AW139 OGP Safety Advisors Training Programmes for the oil & gas safety advisors community in September and November 2011 have been hailed a success by those attending. This initiative, launched early this year, complements the oil & gas seminars that have been organised... Read more
13-Dec-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that DanCopter, a Blueway AS company, has taken delivery of the first of five AW139 medium twin helicopters. This aircraft will be used for offshore transport operations in Nigeria. An initial order for three AW139s was placed in 2010 which was followed by contracts for two additional... Read more
7-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Weststar has done very well winning contracts in Malaysia, mainly in the offshore oil and gas support role, and is now looking to branch out branch out further. They intend continuing to focus on the offshore role, and have identified Vietnam, Indonesia and Myanmar (aka Burma) as target markets. As part of this push, group... Read more
7-Dec-2011Source: Ornge
On behalf of Ornge’s Board of Directors, Ornge management and staff, Ornge is compelled to respond to the Toronto Star story of December 5, 2011. We are setting the record straight. Ornge compliant with the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, 1996. Ornge is in compliance with the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, 1996. The following... Read more
7-Dec-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that SFS Aviation of Thailand has signed a contract for an AW139 medium twin helicopter. The aircraft will be delivered later this month and will be used for offshore transport operations in the Gulf of Thailand from its Songkhla base in southern Thailand. Vincenzo Alaimo, Head of... Read more
6-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
As New Jersey State Police take delivery of their new fleet of AW139s, their retiring fleet of S76Bs are up for auction. Rightly or wrongly, they have chosen to sell all five S76Bs as one lot. All are EMS configured with dual litter capability, four attendant/cabin seats, suction system, LOX, shore power, plug-type sliding cabin... Read more
30-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
CHC has this week transferred an AW139 from the Dutch register to the Canadian register – serial number 31072 going from PH-EUA to C-GNDG. However, industry sources tell us that it’s not going to Canada, but is destined for operations in Tanzania. It is currently on its ferry flight as we file this story, expected... Read more
29-Nov-2011
Rio Tinto’s sponsorship of $1M a year over the next 10 years will be in addition to what the State Government provides. EMQ are looking at using the first year of the Rio Tinto funds to increase the fuel capacity (and thus range) of their three AW139s. (see full story) Photos reproduced with prior permission... Read more
21-Nov-2011Source: FAA
Number 2 Modular Avionic Unit (MAU) ventilation duct... Read more
19-Nov-2011Source: Hong Kong Civil Aviation Dept
Extract: The Civil Aviation Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (CAD) issued Accident Bulletin 2/2010 and Interim Statement 2/2011 on 27 July 2010 and 29 June 2011 respectively on the investigation of the accident on East Asia Airlines EA 206A on 3 July 2010. This Accident Bulletin provides further available... Read more
17-Nov-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that JSC Euro-Asia Air of Kazakhstan has ordered two additional AW139 medium twin helicopters. These offshore configured AW139s will be used to perform transport operations in Kazakhstan’s section of the Caspian Sea. One of the two aircraft will be provided with the Full Ice Protection System (FIPS)... Read more
15-Nov-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Abu Dhabi Aviation, the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East, are pleased to announce the establishment of a joint venture in the UAE in the field of helicopter maintenance. The two companies have formed a limited liability company named AgustaWestland Aviation Services LLC to carry out a range... Read more
15-Nov-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the AW139 medium twin helicopter fleet operated by Gulf Helicopters of Qatar has achieved the milestone of 20,000 flying hours. Gulf Helicopter is one of the largest AW139 operators worldwide and a prime player in the Middle East with 12 helicopters of this type already in... Read more
12-Nov-2011Source: Trinidad Express
It appears the local media are in a bit of a battle. Following the story we ran earlier in the week, AgustaWestland have asked us to point out that their AW139s are not grounded in Trinidad & Tobago and they say that this story is the correct one!... Read more
11-Nov-2011
Minor damage, unknown circumstances... Read more
7-Nov-2011Source: Aerolite
Aerolite has received an FAA validation for a previously issued EASA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a new lightweight EMS interior for the AW139. The new multi-mission interior allows the full spectrum of EMS, SAR and police missions and can easily be converted from an EMS set up to an 8 or 11 passenger configuration.... Read more
7-Nov-2011Source: Stabroek News
Officials are now scrambling to meet Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority requirements that should have been in place before the helicopters touched down in the country. (see full story)... Read more
3-Nov-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Autonomous Province of Trento in Italy has taken delivery of the first of two AW139 medium twin helicopters. The aircraft will be operated by the Fire Fighting Department Aviation Unit based in Trento to perform emergency medical service, search and rescue and disaster relief missions... Read more
31-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The blog run by enthusiast Damiano Gualdoni reports that the Italian firefighting organisation Vigili del Fuoco took delivery of one of a pair of AW139s on Friday. Registered I-TNCC and I-TNDD are new production aircraft, serials 31369 and 31374 respectively. It is not clear at this time whether they add to the existing pair of... Read more
27-Oct-2011Source: FAA
Tail boom outer skin panels... Read more
24-Oct-2011Source: FB Heliservices
FB Heliservices Ltd, a joint venture of Cobham and Bristow Helicopters, has been awarded an eight year contract by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to provide helicopter air reconnaissance capacity to the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard. The contract is worth approximately €45 million. “This contract breaks new ground for FB Heliservices and we’re very pleased with... Read more
20-Oct-2011Source: Ornge
Ornge, a world leader in transport medicine, is proud to congratulate Dr. Russell MacDonald, Ornge’s Medical Director for Research and Development, on winning the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) Barbara A. Hess Research and Education Award. One of the transport medicine industry’s highest honours, the award was presented to Dr. MacDonald at the Air... Read more
14-Oct-2011Source: Dart
DART Helicopter Services (DHS) is pleased to announces that DART Aerospace Ltd. (DAS) have received FAA approval of the following New Maintenance Kits for the AgustaWestland AW139 / AB139 Cargo Door Fwd Opening, Maintenance Step, Floor Protector Kit and Engine Wash Kit. Transport Canada and EASA approvals are pending. Cargo Door Fwd Opening Kit The... Read more
10-Oct-2011Source: FlightSafety
FlightSafety International is pleased to announce that it will offer training for the AgustaWestland AW139 at its Learning Center in Lafayette, Louisiana starting in 2013. “Offering training for the AgustaWestland AW139 is a clear demonstration of FlightSafety’s commitment to provide our Customers who operate and support helicopters around the world with the advanced technology Level... Read more
10-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
CHC has transferred an AW139 across the North Sea – from their Netherlands fleet to their UK fleet. PH-EUC has been registered on Friday on the British register as G-SNSB. The “SNS” in the registration refers to Southern North Sea and joins another AW139 G-SNSA with those initials. [File photo] Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
8-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Estonia’s Border Guard are without helicopter support, and have had to call on neighbour Finland to help rescue a fisherman from a boat which ran aground in recent days. The situation is a combination of circumstances. One of their three AW139s is awaiting tail rotor parts after the recent grounding, the delay of which is... Read more
29-Sep-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Haughey Air Limited has placed an order for an AW139 medium twin helicopter. The aircraft, configured for corporate and VIP transport purposes, will be based in Northern Ireland and will be delivered in 2012. Elmilio Dalmasso, Senior VP Commercial Business, AgustaWestland, said after the signing of... Read more
29-Sep-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Bond Aviation Group, are pleased to 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... Read more
28-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
RH Bodyworks (Helitech stand 1715) is expanding its portfolio by starting in spraying helicopters. Thus far it has completed an AgustaWestland AW139 for Bond Offshore Helicopters (see below) and a respray of the tail boom of the Essex Police EC135T2+. Part of the Roy Humphrey Group, RH Bodyworks are based on the old Eye Airfield... Read more
27-Sep-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Blueway AS of Norway has signed a contract for one more AW139 medium twin helicopter. This aircraft will be used for offshore transport operations. This order follows an initial contract for three AW139s placed in 2010 and one for a fourth unit signed earlier this year... Read more
26-Sep-2011Source: STARS
Join us for the 8th Annual Bragg Creek Benefit Dinner & Auction for STARS on Saturday, October 15, 2011. The evening will include a three-course roast beef dinner catered by locally-owned The Steak Pit Restaurant and a chance to bid on a wide array of live and silent auction items. Tickets are $75 each or... Read more
22-Sep-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Police of the Province of Guangxi in China has taken delivery of an AW139 medium twin helicopter. This aircraft will be used to perform a number of roles including law enforcement and civil protection/disaster relief across the province. The AW139 joins an AW109 Power light... Read more