The first of two AW139s announced by AgustaWestland in June 2015 as sold to Atlantic Airways has been seen on flight test in Italy.  In our photo here by Marco Bianchi, the first example is seen with double hoist mounted to starboard.

In their press release, AgustaWestland stated that the aircraft will be used to perform SAR missions and scheduled passenger transportation within the Faroe Islands. Estimated delivery dates at the time were quoted as “late 2015 and in spring 2016”.

The 139s will replace two B412s.

• OY-HSJ Bell 412HP built 1994 bought in 2007
• OY-HSR Bell 412EP built 1996 bought in 2001 and was sold to Agrarflug Helilift in Ahlen in Germany earlier this year.

This is not the first time that Atlantic Airways have bought an AW139, though.  In June 2008, Atlantic took delivery of a passenger-fit AW139 but did not keep it that long and leased it out, initially to Heli-Holland and then to German operator Wiking.  Aside from a period of nine months in 2012 when Atlantic were flying it once more, it continues to by flown by Wiking to this day from their base at Wilhelmshaven.

The two new aircraft are fitted for SAR work as well as an interchangeable passenger interior .  This adaptability, and the disposal of the first of the 412s, suggests a commitment to the type by Atlantic Airways.

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com

© Copyright 2015 Marco Bianchi – reproduced here with express permission