• Success in the super medium twin category evident through strong sales and diverse order book
• Several aircraft delivered to date for SAR, offshore customers worldwide

Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland today announced that the AW189 medium twin engine helicopter achieved FAA validation of its EASA certification, allowing for deliveries and operations to begin shortly for AW189 customers in the United States.

The validation was received following US flight testing activities that took place in early 2015. The AW189 is ideal for longer range, higher capacity requirements for SAR, offshore, and corporate helicopter operations.

The AW189 super medium, designed to meet the growing demand for modern long range, high capacity and endurance capabilities, has become the outright market leader in its class with over 150 units sold including framework contracts and options. Following EASA certification in early 2014 aircraft have already been delivered to customers in Europe, Asia and the Middle East including Bristow, Weststar Aviation Services, LCI, Gulf Helicopters and Bel Air.

The AW189 helicopter is part of AgustaWestland’s family of new generation helicopters that also includes the all new AW169 and the best-selling AW139. These helicopters all possess the same high-performance flight characteristics and safety features whilst sharing a common cockpit design philosophy. This approach facilitates synergies for operators of these models in areas such as training, maintenance and support. The AW189 benefits from a modern maintenance and training approach, advanced HUMS (Health Usage Maintenance System) technology and an ever expanding global network of service and spare parts centres.