Bond Aviation Group and AgustaWestland sign Framework Agreement for 15 helicopters
The Framework Agreement, which includes AW169, AW139 and AW189 aircraft, was signed by James Drummond, Chief Executive Officer, Inaer Group, and Emilio Dalmasso, Senior VP Commercial Business, AgustaWestland, during the Heli-Expo exhibition being held in Dallas, Texas.
This agreement follows an MoU signed in September 2011 to establish a Global Framework agreement covering all the Bond and Inaer companies to establish a multi-year contract covering the purchase of AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters for offshore oil and gas support, HEMS, SAR and emergency service missions, together with support to the emerging offshore wind-farm market.
Emilio Dalmasso, Senior VP Commercial Business, AgustaWestland, said after the signing “The signing of this Framework Agreement makes the Bond and Inaer Group the first European customer for the entire range of AgustaWestland next generation commercial helicopters. The commonality across the family of helicopters will bring numerous benefits in terms of training, maintenance and support. We are confident the three models will enable Bond Aviation Group to further develop their business in key existing markets and promising emerging markets.”
James Drummond, Chief Executive Officer, World Helicopter Group said: “Bond is delighted to announce the signing of this Framework Agreement with AgustaWestland. Bond has been impressed with the AW139s which were introduced into its fleet in [2011], with the aircraft proving to be a safe and efficient helicopter for the crew and passengers. Based on our experiences with the AW139 we are keen to work closely with AgustaWestland on the continued development of the AW169 and AW189 helicopters which could form an important part of our fleet in the future. Bond and its sister company, the Inaer Group, will shortly begin working with AgustaWestland to develop a global framework agreement reflecting the broader group’s requirements for the future.”
Bond Aviation Group will benefit from the commonality in design across the AW139, AW169 and AW189 family of new generations helicopters. As well as possessing the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features the helicopters share a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concepts that will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets from 4 to 8.5 tonnes.
The AW169 is due to fly in spring 2012 with deliveries commencing in 2015. The AW189 was launched in June 2011 in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole helicopter in the 8-tonne class. The first prototype performed its maiden flight in December 2011. Entering service in early 2014, the twin engine AW189 helicopter is optimised for the long range offshore transport and SAR missions. The spacious cabin is configured with 16 seats as standard with the option for a high density 18 seat layout or a long range 12 seat configuration. Bond Aviation Group, sister company of the INAER Group, is through its subsidiaries Bond Offshore Helicopters and Bond Air Services a leading provider of offshore and onshore helicopter services in the UK and Ireland. It provides helicopter transport to offshore oil and gas rigs as well as search and rescue, police, air ambulance and offshore wind-farm support services. In 2011 it introduced the AW139 into its fleet supporting offshore platforms in the southern North Sea. Bond Aviation Group companies also provide a wide range of helicopter training services.
