Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Bristow and Leonardo agree support for AW139s and AW189s

Aerospace Security

Bristow and Leonardo agree support for AW139s and AW189s

Bristow and Leonardo have finalised a series of long-term agreements that will enhance global fleet support and training for the AW139 and AW189 helicopters, extending into the next decade.

Above: A Bristow AW189 in flight.
Courtesy Bristow 

These agreements reinforce the strong relationship between the two companies and provides continued support for operations in key markets.

The finalised package includes the following support highlights applicable to Bristow’s global fleet:

  • Enhanced Power-by-the-Hour (PBH) agreements for search and rescue (SAR) operations and offshore energy services (OES) helicopters, providing tailored maintenance and operational efficiency.
  • A long-term AW189 simulator training agreement in Aberdeen, Scotland, supporting critical pilot training needs.
  • The introduction of an AW139 full flight simulator in Aberdeen beginning in 2026, alongside the existing AW189 simulator, complementing an already robust training center to support fleet operations in the North Sea.
  • An enhanced global fleet support agreement, covering key performance indicators (KPIs), inventory management, training, Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS), and other Leonardo-provided services.

Bristow will introduce four new AW189 helicopters into its OES business, scheduled to enter service in 2025 and 2026. The four new AW189 helicopters are part of a previously announced order earlier this year and are expected to provide added flexibility to Bristow’s fleet planning as well as diversification across Bristow’s fleet mix.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Stu Stavley, Bristow’s Chief Operating Officer for Offshore Energy Services, said: “These additions align with Bristow’s strategic objectives to enhance operational capability and meet contractual demands.

“The finalisation of these long-term support and training agreements will support Bristow’s ability to meet the evolving needs of both our Government Services and Offshore Energy Services operations.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

Paul de Jonge Van Ellemeet, SVP Commercial Market Development & Global Accounts, said: “The renewed Global Support and Training Agreement for the AW139 and AW189 demonstrates Leonardo’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art solutions.

“By offering full component coverage service plans, localised technical support and access to our advanced simulators and courses, we are ensuring Bristow continues to operate at the highest level of efficiency and safety as they also keep expanding their fleet of Leonardo helicopters.”

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
Farnborough Airport to display Richard Cresswell

Aerospace Events

Farnborough Airport to display Richard Cresswell's Spitfire-inspired sculpture

14 May 2026

Farnborough Airport has announced the installation of a striking aviation-inspired sculpture in partnership with The Sculpture Park, Farnham, which will be on display at the Airport from early May through to the beginning of August 2026.

NPAS gains funding for additional helicopters

Aerospace Security

NPAS gains funding for additional helicopters

14 May 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has welcomed confirmation from the UK Minister of State for Policing and Crime that funding has been approved for two additional brand-new police helicopters to complement its National Fleet Replacement Programme (FRP).

K3Metrology secures UKI2S advanced manufacturing support

Aerospace

K3Metrology secures UKI2S advanced manufacturing support

13 May 2026

K3Metrology, a UK spin-out from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), has secured a £2.75 million seed investment led by the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), to commercialise a new generation of large-scale measurement technology designed to improve efficiency and reduce delays in advanced manufacturing and aerospace.

European air passenger traffic expands +3.8% in March

Aerospace

European air passenger traffic expands +3.8% in March

13 May 2026

European airport trade body ACI EUROPE today released its traffic report for March and the first quarter of 2026.

Advertisement
ODU RT
SMD selects D-RisQ to advance autonomous systems

Aerospace Defence Security

SMD selects D-RisQ to advance autonomous systems

13 May 2026

Malvern based D-RisQ Ltd has been selected by SMD to accelerate development of their autonomy programme.

Stansted Airport

Aerospace

Stansted Airport's passenger numbers boosted by Easter getaway

12 May 2026

A bumper Easter getaway helped London Stansted record its busiest ever April as the airport welcomed more than 2.6m passengers during the month.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB