In view of the increasing demand for oil and gas, and future trends in this industry in India moving deeper into the sea and away from the shore, GVHL has inducted the AW139, a new-generation, medium, twin-turbine helicopter, thus setting new standards against which all medium twins will be measured henceforth. After a two-month sea voyage, the AW139 arrived in India just before the year’s end, and was assembled at GVHL’s maintenance facilities in Mumbai.

The first test flight of the AW139 took place on 12 January 2010. After the successful completion of the test, the process was started the same day to deregister the aircraft and to register it in India. The addition of this new aircraft to the GVHL fleet was preceded by intensive training of our pilots and engineers in the USA and Europe. After pilots have attained ground school and simulator training abroad, the DGCA requires that their flying hours should be completed on aircraft in India. Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd. (GVHL) has inducted in its fleet three AW 139 helicopters.

The AW139 has been designed for multi-role capability and operational flexibility. It can carry up to 15 passengers at very high speed in a spacious and comfortable cabin. The ample baggage compartment is accessible both internally from the cabin and externally from elsewhere on the aircraft.

The AW139 provides the best power reserve of any helicopter in the medium twin-engine class. As a brand new helicopter, it complies fully with the latest stringent requirements in terms of performance and safety. Its Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turbines, together with a state-of-the-art five-blade main rotor, deliver a high cruise speed even in demanding conditions at all weights. The turbines deliver an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, which allows Category “A” performance capabilities with no limitations in a wide range of operating conditions, including ‘hot and high’. The AW139 incorporates leading-edge technology, including a Honeywell Primus Epic fully integrated avionics system, a four-axis digital AFCS, and large flat-panel colour displays in the cockpit.

The AW139 is ideally suited for an offshore role. The large cabin and baggage compartments allow it to transport up to 15 passengers and offer ease of access and egress through its large sliding doors. The remarkably ample space on board and the modular equipment allow for quick and easy conversion to and from various configurations.

The AW139 has already entered service with almost all the major providers of offshore helicopter transportation services around the world. It has achieved great success, becoming the bestselling medium-twin helicopter in the world for various applications.