AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, said the first production AW189 8 tonne class twin engine helicopter has successfully performed its maiden flight at Vergiate plant (Italy).

The aircraft is expected to be delivered to Bristow Helicopters by year end to carry out offshore transport missions in the North Sea, with operational readiness planned in early 2014. Additional two AW189 helicopters are currently under assembly.

CEO Daniele Romiti said: "Completing the very first AW189 which will enter operational service is a tremendous programme achievement for AgustaWestland and to our customer."

"We have brought to life the first and only new generation production aircraft in its category with an extremely reduced time to market, meeting the most stringent requirements set by the relevant authorities and by the market," he stated.

"With many orders by a number of major customers already logged to date, we’re confident that this will be just the first of hundreds of AW189s to be delivered in the coming years," added Romiti.

According to him, the AW189 has been designed in response to the growing Oil & Gas Offshore market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole medium helicopter.

"The new 8-tonne class, twin engine helicopter is optimised for long range offshore transport and has already received orders for more than 80 units," he explained.

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 offshore operations, he added.-TradeArabia News Service