Aviation service provider signs deal for new generation helicopters

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FOR Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd, the end of 2011 signals the start of a busy and exciting 2012.

As the petroleum offshore industry in the region grows rapidly, Malaysian-based offshore air aviation service provider Weststar Aviation Services has decided to expand its fleet to anticipate future customers’ requirements.

Weststar Aviation Services announced its purchase agreement with AgustaWestland for additional helicopters at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 11) in Langkawi, Kedah recently.

Witnessed by the guest of honour, Malacca Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, this latest acquisition will see an additional five AW139s off-shore helicopters and one corporate VIP helicopter, two AW169s and two AW189s helicopters for a total purchase value of US$150mil (RM470mil).

One for the album: (From left) Spagnolini, Mohd Khalil, Ahmad Zahid, Syed Azman and AgustaWestland Sdn Bhd CEO Vincenzo Alaimo posing for the camera after the signing ceremony.

This order adds on to the one signed by Weststar Aviation Services in the first quarter of 2010 for nine AW139s off-shore helicopters and another one AW139 in the second quarter of 2010.

The fleet is currently supporting Petronas Carigali, ExxonMobil, Talisman, Newfield, Petrofac, Total and Carigali Hess offshore operations in Peninsular Malaysia.

The nine AW139s started operations on April 1 this year and in less than eight months have flown more than 8,000 hours, which is a record for this aircraft worldwide.

This event also saw the purchase of two AW169s and two AW189s helicopters which marks the first sales both in Malaysia and in this region for AgustaWestland’s new generation helicopters. This purchase brings the total fleet of helicopters in Weststar Aviation Services to 29 units.

“Weststar and AgustaWestland shall continue to develop the relationship in Malaysia and in the region where the demand for this industry is ever increasing. As Weststar plans for its regional expansion, AgustaWestland and Weststar will continue to collaborate to provide quality products and services to support our operations,” said Weststar Group managing director Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim.

This purchase makes Weststar the first operator in the world to gain from the new family concept of AgustaWestland 139s, 169s and 189s.

Deliveries of the AW189s are scheduled to start in 2014 and in 2015 for the AW169s.

AgustaWestland Malaysia will provide pilot and technician training services and comprehensive support services for the helicopters from its headquarters at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport.

The two companies have been in business since 2009.

With its power reserve, the AW139 delivers Category A (Class 1) performance from a helipad (elevated or at ground level) at maximum take-off weight with an unmatched one-engine inoperative capability. The AW139 can carry up to 15 passengers in its spacious cabin.

A versatile, new generation 10-seat twin engine light intermediate category helicopter, the AW169 has been designed in response to the growing market demand for an aircraft that delivers high performance, meets all the latest safety standards and has multi-role capabilities.

AgustaWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini said, “We are delighted that Weststar has chosen AgustaWestland to meet its fleet expansion plans. We are sure our range of high performance new technology products will serve both Weststar and its customers exceptionally in the markets it serves.

“As the region’s largest AW139 operator and a major provider of offshore helicopter services, we are also very pleased to have Weststar as one of the lead customers for both the AW169 and AW189.”

Formed in April 2003, Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Weststar Group, provides general aviation charter services, personal transport, aerial work services and offshore transport.

In the general aviation sector, the company operates seven Eurocopter helicopters and one AW 139 VIP helicopter as well as a Gulfstream, a Boeing 737 and a Boeing 727 business jets from its base at Subang.