The two AW189 super medium twin engine helicopters, produced by Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland and operated by Bel Air of Denmark, have recently exceeded 2000 flight hours, setting a new milestone while demonstrating exceptional availability and mission effectiveness. The first helicopter had exceeded 600 flight hours in June, becoming the global fleet leader.

This outstanding result was possible through the strong cooperation between the operator and the manufacturer’s customer support team. Bel Air's AW189s perform long range offshore transport missions in the North Sea, and in October 2014 the customer signed a contract for a third aircraft. The operator has also opted for the 8.6 tonne Maximum Gross Weight upgrade to give its customers greater levels of payload.

An existing AW139 operator with a total requirement for four units of this type, Bel Air is benefitting from the unique operational, training, support and management advantages of the AgustaWestland Family of new generation helicopters, thanks to the introduction of the AW189 model into their fleet. This all new approach to effective, flexible and efficient fleet management is supporting Bel Air as it expands its operations in support of the North Sea oil and gas industry, as well as carrying out offshore wind turbine support and ad hoc helicopter services.