Leonardo and Falcon Aviation Services have announced today the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to procure two latest generation AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopters. The aircraft are intended to further expand the offshore transport capabilities of Falcon Aviation Services for  energy transport service opportunities in Africa.

As the global launch operator for the offshore-configured AW169, Falcon Aviation Services already uses a total of five aircraft of this type for offshore and VVIP duties in the UAE and abroad. The first AW169, introduced into service by Falcon Aviation Services, is the fleet leader with around 2,700 flight hours logged to date out of a total of more than 100,000 across a global fleet of over 130 AW169s across all operators. Falcon Aviation is a leading player in the region and a prime partner of Leonardo with its fleet of 14 helicopters, which includes AW169s, five  AW189 super-medium aircraft and four  AW109 Grand/GrandNew light twins.

The introduction of the new generation AW169 and Falcon Aviation Services’ expertise is allowing the organisations served in the market to benefit from a significant leap forward in the level of service and safety, which support the oil and gas industry and transport missions.

A versatile, new generation twin engine light intermediate category helicopter, the 4.6/4.8 tonne AW169 has been designed in response to the growing market demand for an aircraft that delivers high performance, meets all the latest certification standards and has multi-role capabilities. Orders and options for more than 290 AW169 helicopters have been signed around the world to date for a wide range of applications including energy industry support, air ambulance, executive/corporate transport, law enforcement, utility, fire-fighting and government duties.

Falcon Aviation is a UAE-based leading Oil & Gas player and business aviation services operator. Located at Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen Executive Airport and Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, Falcon Aviation provides a wide range of Operational and Aviation Support Services, which include Oil and Gas Aviation Support, Maintenance Repair & Overhauling (MRO), bespoke Business Jets Charters Services and Helicopter Sightseeing Tours, Fixed Base Operator (FBO), Aircraft Management Services and Continuing Airworthiness Management (CAMO), Heliport Management and Inspection, among others.