Leonardo Signs Deal With PHI Group For Up To 12 Helicopters

Louisiana-based PHI Group and Rome-based Leonardo have signed a framework agreement for 12 AW189 helicopters. The deal comprises firm orders, purchase options, and an extensive support partnership, including a service centre agreement, MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) contract and training solutions for the AW139 and AW189 choppers. PHI Group has been supporting the energy industry for 75 years. The newly ordered AW189s, which will comply with the IOGP (International Association of Oil & Gas Producers) Report 690 guidelines, will start joining its fleet next year. Presently, the firm operates over 200 helicopters worldwide, serving various markets such as energy and air medical. Of the overall fleet, more than 20 helicopters, including AW139s and AW109s, are from Leonardo. The Leonardo AW189 belongs to the super-medium class of helicopters. It’s in its DNA to serve various kinds of missions, such as energy industry support, search and rescue, passenger transport, firefighting and law enforcement. The AW189 has been cleverly designed to tackle challenging situations. For instance, its main transmission can run without oil for 50 minutes. The chopper also has a built-in auxiliary powerplant. Note: The image above is only for representational purposes.