MUMBAI, India, 7 Jan. 2009. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, announced that Heligo Charters Pvt Ltd, the Mumbai based offshore helicopter operator, started operations in India with its first AW139 medium twin engine helicopter.
Heligo Charters has also recently received CAR145 Maintenance Organization Approval, making it the first helicopter company in India to comply with these requirements. The company plans to add a second AW139 to its fleet in early 2009 to meet increasing demand in the Indian oil and gas sector, particularly for deep water offshore support operations, AgustaWestland officials say. Additional AW139s are planned for offshore operations in India later in 2009.
Since entering service the AW139 has already performed an impressive medical evacuation mission from a seismic survey ship 402 kilometers offshore, company officials sya. The AW139's maximum cruise speed of 167 knots enabled it to reach the vessel quickly while its long range meant there was no need for the ship to divert closer to the coast, allowing it to continue its seismic survey activity.
The AW139 is suited for offshore applications due to its large cabin and baggage compartments allowing it to transport 12 to 15 passengers – offering ease of access and egress by its large sliding doors.
Furthermore, a Maximum Gross Weight (MGW) of 6,800 kilograms -- a 400-kilogram increase on the original certified MGW of 6,400 kilograms – was certified in 2008. The increased MGW and payload, which is available on all new production aircraft as an option, is allowing the AW139 to target various long range offshore requirements currently being met by larger 19-seat types, AgustaWestland officials say.
