AgustaWestland has announced that Vietnam Helicopter Corporation (Vietnam Helicopters/VNH) has signed a contract for two AW189 super medium twin engine helicopters. These aircrafts will perform medium/long range offshore transport operations.
The first helicopter will be operated by VNH South by the end of 2015 while the second AW189 will be used by VNH North starting in 2016. According to the company, the contract also includes a comprehensive package of support and training services. AgustaWestland notes that this contract marks its entrance into the Vietnamese helicopter market and further expands the success of the AW189 in South East Asia for offshore transport duties.
The company says that the AW189 was designed in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole medium twin engine helicopter. The new 8.3 tonne AW189 is optimized for long range offshore transport and SAR missions and has already received orders for over 130 helicopters, including options and framework contracts. The cabin is configured with 16 seats as standard with the option for a high density 19-seat layout or a long range 12-seat configuration. The cockpit design, incorporating the latest in advanced situational awareness technologies, reduces crew workload and enhances safety. The AW189 meets the international regulatory safety requirements (EASA / FAA Part 29, JAR OPS 3 / EU-OPS).
AgustaWestland emphasizes that the AW189 is unique in having a 50 minute ‘run-dry’ capable main gear box, exceeding current certification standards and offering unmatched safety and reliability for long range offshore operations.
The AW189 is part of the AgustaWestland Family of new generation helicopters that includes the AW169 and AW139 models. Vietnam Helicopter Corporation, a helicopter provider in Vietnam and South East Asia, provides a range of rotor-craft services through its subsidiaries also including offshore transport, rescue, sightseeing as well as maintenance and training.