Leonardo Aw189

Twin Turboshaft

The AgustaWestland AW189 is a super-medium twin-engine helicopter designed for offshore oil and gas operations, search and rescue, and VIP transport. First flown in 2011 and entering service in 2014, it was developed by AgustaWestland (now Leonardo Helicopters) to fill the gap between medium and heavy rotorcraft, offering the cabin space and payload of larger helicopters with the operating economics of a medium twin. Powered by two General Electric CT7-2E1 turboshaft engines, the AW189 can carry up to 19 passengers in high-density offshore configuration and features a spacious 7.8-foot-tall cabin (the tallest in its class), making it particularly popular for long-range crew changes to offshore platforms in the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and West Africa. The type's maximum cruise speed of 165 knots and range exceeding 600 nautical miles with auxiliary tanks made it a strong competitor to the Sikorsky S-92 in the offshore transport market. Notable operators include Bristow Group, CHC Helicopter, and NHV, with the AW189 also serving in government SAR roles for the UK Coastguard and Italian Coast Guard. The helicopter's never-exceed speed of 167 knots and maximum takeoff weight of 18,078 pounds position it as one of the most capable super-medium helicopters in commercial service. SkyMeter has tracked 168 flights across 37 airframes and 3 operators, with ERA HELICOPTERS LLC the largest observed operator.