On 13th November, Leonardo announced that Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) had signed a contract for two additional AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters. The aircraft will be used to perform offshore transport missions with deliveries expected in 2017.

The new additions further expand ADA’s AW139 fleet which today comprises 15 units in service primarily supporting the Oil & Gas industry. This latest order is part of an agreement for 15 helicopters including the AW139, AW169 and AW189 types announced at the end of 2015 for deliveries through 2019.

Leonardo says it has now received over 140 orders for the AW139 in the Middle East, more than 60 of which from customers in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi Aviation, in cooperation with Leonardo, has established a maintenance centre under the name of AgustaWestland Aviation Serices L.L.C. to expand its scope of services and meet the growing needs of the helicopter fleet in the Middle East. It is expected to become one of the major support centres of the latest generation of AgustaWestland aircraft.

The previous day, Leonardo had announced that Falcon Aviation of Abu Dhabi was expanding its AW169 fleet with the addition of a further three aircraft acquired under an operating lease with Milestone Aviation Group, part of GE Capital Aviation Services. The helicopters are scheduled to enter service in the first quarter of 2018.

With the addition of three AW169s, Falcon Aviation’s fleet will include five AW169s, two AW189s and four additional Grand and GrandNew light-twin helicopters.