50 SKY SHADES - World aviation news

Falcon's AW169 in global offshore debut

Download: Printable PDF Date: 30 Nov 2016 19:49 (UTC) category:
Publisher:
Falcon's AW169 in global offshore debut - Business aviation publisher
Dana Ermolenko
Country: United Arab Emirates Aircraft: Helicopters

Abu Dhabi-based Falcon Aviation is planning to put its recently received twin-engined, AgustaWestland 169 into offshore service – the first AW169 to operate in the global offshore oil industry.

The company is currently finalising pilot training and anticipates having the 8-seater oil and gas variant of the helicopter in service for French oil giant Total by mid-December.

Falcon took delivery of the AW169 – the first of two ordered – in October. The second AW169 is due for delivery at the end of this year but will be used for VVIP services.
Meanwhile the company says it is close to becoming a fleet leader in terms of flying hours for its two, twin-engined, medium-lift AW189s, which are in service for offshore giants Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO) and Total and ad-hoc private users. “We have accumulated 2000 flying hours for this model in just 16 months of operation,” explained Falcon’s Director of Maintenance, Nicolas Tejera. Falcon took delivery of its 189s in June 2015 with the intent of making the 19-seater helicopters the backbone of its 21st century fleet upgrade. 





Recommended

Air France earns global recognition with World’s Best First Class Award from Skytrax

Air France was among the leading winners at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, held in London on September 18, 2026, earning multiple distinctions that highlight the excellence of its products and cust...

Airbus Corporate Jets survey points to a new wave of demand for large business aircraft in Asia

Confidence in Asia's business aviation market is on the rise, according to new research commissioned by Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ). Industry experts expect demand for business aircraft to grow st...

KlasJet receives key FAA approval to launch ACMI and charter services in the US market

KlasJet has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining Part 129 Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) approval from the FAA, paving the way for the company's expansion into the U.S. market. As pa...

flydubai expands pilot training capacity through partnerships with Egnatia Aviation and Skyborne

flydubai has strengthened its pilot development strategy through new partnerships with Egnatia Aviation and Skyborne Airline Academy, aimed at expanding the airline's training capacity and support...

Android Apps development in Riga, Latvia