AgustaWestland breaks into Egypt market with a double order from PAS

The deal is the first for the successful AW139 in the Egyptian market, where it will be used by PAS for offshore oil and gas support operations.

The AW139 is ideally suited for the offshore oil and gas transport role, with its large cabin and baggage compartments allowing it to transport 12 to 15 passengers and baggage. The superior power of the two engines ensures the AW139 has the best performance in its weight class in all operating conditions. With its power reserve, the AW139 delivers Category A (Class 1) performance at maximum take-off weight with the best in class one engine inoperative capability.

Excellent payload and performance ensure unmatched productivity for offshore operations. In addition to offshore transport, the AW139 can be used for a number of applications including EMS/SAR, executive/VIP transport and government roles. The helicopter has achieved a great success becoming the best selling medium twin in the world marketplace for many applications. Over 110 customers from more than 40 countries have ordered over 430 helicopters.

PAS offers a wide range of aviation services with its fixed and rotary wing fleets. Services provided in addition to offshore transport include passenger transport, seismic support, load lifting, medical evacuation and pollution control. PAS has flown over 450,000 hours in over 25 years in support of oil industry activities in Egypt with the majority being in the offshore sector. Hundreds of take-offs and landings are carried out daily transporting personnel and equipment throughout the offshore oil fields in the Mediterranean Sea and in the Red Sea.

The AW139 is part of PAS’s continuing fleet modernisation plan of medium twin engine helicopters.The energy charter specialist already operated eurocopter aircraft in its fleet. At the end of last year PAS signed an agreement to buy a third EC135 Eurocopter helicopter lus two further options. . The first EC135 twin was delivered end of 2007, the second early 2008. The aircraft are used to transport oil rig crews from the Egyptian mainland to the offshore oil rigs.

The EC135 is suited for offshore operation with short distance and small decks. It can accommodate one or two pilots and five to six passengers.