AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Era Group Inc. has agreed to purchase 10 AW139 medium twin helicopters. These helicopters will be used to perform offshore transport missions. Era Group boasts a large AgustaWestland fleet today including 22 AW119Ke single engine, 7 AW109 Power light twin and 17 AW139 helicopters. Primarily operating in the oil-rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the company offers offshore transport, pipeline surveillance and other services also in Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil where part of its existing AW139 fleet has been redeployed.
Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland said “It gives us great pleasure that Era’s decision to purchase will mark significant growth and commitment to one of the largest AW139 fleets, making it central in the service one of the world’s leading offshore oil & gas specialists. With this latest purchase AgustaWestland confirms its increasingly important presence in one of the most challenging markets and its capability to meet the very latest requirements for operators in the most relevant oil & gas exploitation regions, where the AW139 further strengthens its position as the best selling medium twin helicopter.”
Charles Fabrikant, Chairman, Seacor Holdings Inc., commented “We are happy to further reinforce our already important and long established partnership with AgustaWestland. The significant expansion of our fleet of AW139s, an outstanding aircraft, will lead Era Group to achieve enhanced levels of capability to meet its operational requirements in the various regions where it supplies its services.”
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. The AW139 is a new generation medium twin-engine helicopter offering unmatched performance, capacity and safety. It meets the most stringent civil and government certification standards, including the FAA and JAA FAR/JAR Part 29 requirements. An ergonomic cockpit, excellent handling characteristics and low vibration levels significantly reduce pilot fatigue and enhance comfort. Two powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C engines with FADEC deliver a high power-to-weight ratio maximising safety in demanding operational conditions. With its power reserve, the AW139 assures Category A (Class 1) superior performance from a helipad (elevated or at ground level) at maximum take-off weight with a superior one engine inoperative capability.
The standard configuration provides seating for twelve or fifteen passengers in a large and bright 8.0 m3 cabin with excellent ease of access and egress via large sliding cabin doors. Excellent payload and performance ensure unmatched productivity for offshore operations. Energy-absorbing landing gear, fuselage and seats as well as high main and tail rotor ground clearance provide added safety for the passengers and maintenance teams whilst on the ground. Over 120 customers from almost 50 countries have ordered almost 460 helicopters to perform a wide range of roles also including offshore transport, EMS/SAR, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, utility and government missions.
Operating for more than 60 years, Era Helicopters LLC is at the forefront of the oil & gas industry. Era provides services in the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska and more than two dozen countries. Era also provides services to numerous other industries, including medical facilities, tourism, and government. In addition, Era provides third-party leasing with aircraft outfitted to fulfill an extensive variety of mission profiles, including personnel transport, air medical services and fire fighting. For more information, please visit: www.erahelicopters.com