Dubai Air Wing has placed an order for one AW189 8-tonne class twin engine helicopter to perform VIP transport missions. This contract is the first order for a VIP transport-configured AW189 and marks the entrance of the AW189 into the United Arab Emirates.
The Dubai Police will operate five AW169 light intermediate helicopters to perform a range of missions including law enforcement, emergency medical services and VIP transport. This contract marks the entrance of the AW169 into the Middle East parapublic helicopter market and further expands the success of the AW169 in the United Arab Emirates, where it has also been ordered to carry out VIP and passenger transport operations. The introduction of the AW169 for a range of public utility applications in the UAE follows the success of the AW139 for government and parapublic roles in the country.
Gulf Helicopters of Qatar has signed firm orders for fifteen AW189 helicopters. This signing follows the preliminary sale contract announced in early 2012, confirming customer’s commitment to this new generation model. The first two aircraft are planned to be delivered to the customer in 2014 and all helicopters will achieve operational readiness by 2017.