HeliExpo 2014 Day One

Airbus Helicopters EC175

Today is the day of unveilings... it is still early here but that is to come. Until then, yesterday's report:

AgustaWestland are focusing on their new ‘Think Customer’ vision plus their ‘family’ policy. In this, they say, they will never forget that the customer has a choice, but they can fill all his needs with their family of helicopters. Roberto Garavaggio noted that many customers who already have the AW139 have now ordered the AW189 to enhance their fleet, Bristow Helicopters is just one such example having ordered 11 189s for the UK Search and Rescue contract starting in 2017. The AW189 was EASA certified in February 2014, and the company expect FAA certification by the summer of this year.

On the expanding fleet, Garavaggio said that the 149, the 169 and the 609 are all on target for the future. They have changed the 609 considerably since taking over the design from the Bell partnership.

For the future, Roberto pointed out that in the next fifteen years the distance needing to be flown by oil and gas serving helicopters will increase as demand moves further out into deeper waters further offshore, Thus, a new technology machine with distance capability like the AW189 will become more and more necessary.

AgustaWestland is also focusing on dual use helicopters for both military and civilan needs, it is relatively easy and cost effective to change the AW169, AW139, AW149 and the AW109 from military or civilian modes, and certification of new models is now done with these dual roles in mind.

Also, with the customer in mind, John Ponsonby said that although the AW189 has only just received EASA certification, there is already a simulator in place and that pilots are already receiving training.