Atlantic Airways signs for two AW139s
The helicopters are expected to be delivered late 2015 and in spring 2016 respectively, and will replace two B412s.
This latest contract marks the entrance of AgustaWestland helicopters into the Faroe Islands and further strengthens the already significant presence of the AW139 in Northern Europe, where it is used by a number of government and private customers in many countries to carry out a range of missions including passenger transport, search and rescue, emergency medical service, offshore transport, law enforcement and military duties.
“This is a significant improvement of our helicopter service as the old helicopters are downgraded as new and stricter regulations are introduced in the field,” Jørgen Holme, Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Airways, said. “With AW139 helicopters we are acquiring a modern fleet ready for the future, and which meets all relevant standards.”
The AW139 has a maximum cruise speed of 165 knots (306 km/h) and a maximum range in excess of 570 nm (1060 km) with auxiliary fuel. The aircraft has outstanding one engine inoperative capabilities, even in hot and high environmental conditions. The AW139, together with the next generation AW169 and AW189 models, is part of the AgustaWestland Family of new generation helicopters which possess the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features, as well as sharing a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concept. This commonality will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets across the 4 to 8.5 tonne categories.
With orders for almost 900 aircraft in more than 70 countries from more than 220 customers and over 730 aircraft already in service, the AW139 is the best-selling intermediate twin engine helicopter in the world.
Atlantic Airways, the national airline of the Faroe Islands, was founded in 1987 and began operating scheduled flights in March 1988. The 2015 schedule includes destinations in Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Spain, as well as the UK, all served with a fleet of three A319 aircraft. In addition two helicopters are operated on local services within the 18 Faroe Islands and provide as well search and rescue missions.
