Saudi Aramco's new fleet will include 14 AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters.
One of Saudi Aramco's 14 new AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters.
From the Aug. 6, 2008 edition of The Arabian Sun.
Saudi Aramco employees travelling offshore can expect a high level of safety and comfort from the 14 new helicopters joining the company's air fleet.
The workhorses of the Ras Tanura fleet, the Bell 214ST, 212, and 412, will be replaced by the newly purchased AgustaWestland AW 139 helicopters. These helicopters will serve Saudi Aramco's offshore oil and gas operations, security surveillance and VIP transportation needs.
The AW139 is the next generation rotor-wing aircraft. It features an advanced avionics system and four-axis autopilot and is able to perform offshore and hoist loads with high safety margins and endurance.
It is considered one of the capable civilian helicopters available. The AW139 ushers in safety, comfort, advanced technology, and performance.
Saudi Aramco Aviation Department manager Ali A. Ashban, who visited the company's technical team based in Milan, said, "The introduction of the AW139 to Saudi Aramco operations is the culmination of two years of intensive teamwork by the various divisions in the Aviation Department in partnership with our proponents."
— The Arabian Sun: August 06, 2023