Falcon takes two AW-189s as backbone to its oil and gas fleet

Falcon Aviation, the Abu Dhabi-based aerospace company with origins in oil and gas sector transportation, has taken delivery of two, twin-engined, 19-seater, medium lift Augusta Westland 189 helicopters which will be the backbone of its 21st century fleet upgrade. Falcon is the fourth worldwide customer for the AW189.
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Falcon’s two new acquisitions will be the first 189s in operation in the United Arab Emirates and will be used in the oil and gas sector providing Class One performance as demanded by the ONGP guidelines for safety in the industry.

“It qualifies because its floatation system is strong so that the aircraft can remain upright in the case of a mishap at sea and that if by any chance the aircraft does submerge, escape is enhanced by no more than two passengers being near windows,” explained the company’s Director of Flight Operations and Head of Training, Captain Raman Oberoi.

“We have invested in new technology. The five blade rotor produces a smoother ride and it has a stronger undercarriage. The GE, front-facing engines also mean for better fuel consumption and the next generation avionics make maintenance easier.”

Capt. Oberoi says the investment is also a vote of confidence in Abu Dhabi’s hydrocarbon industry where new generation helicopters are required.

“There’s always a bit of a challenge which you introduce new models but our aim over the next five years is to replace the entire fleet,” he said.

Falcon currently operates 10 Bell 412s and Airbus Helicopter EC 130B4 and Augusta A109.

These older aircraft will be phased out over five years with the company having placed orders for three, 10-seater Augusta Westland 169s – the model due for certification this month – two of which will be used for platform-to-platform hopping, the third for VIP operations. Falcon’s first 169 is due for delivering in January next year with the other two following in the subsequent four-six months.

“Oil companies are talking to us about these aircraft,” said Captain Oberoi. 

Falcon, which will maintain the helicopters at its Al Bateen Airport base and which has trained 12 pilots and 14 engines for the 189 project, has also signed up to Augusta’s ‘Power by the Hour’ system which gives it priority call on spares.