Bel Air of Denmark has signed a contract with AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, for two AW189 helicopters, which will be used for offshore oil and gas transport missions in the North Sea.

The twin-engine AW189 helicopter is suitable for long-range offshore transport and SAR missions, and the company has selected it to meet its needs for future long-range operational requirements following the launch of the family of helicopters in June 2011.

It comes with a large cabin configured with 16 seats as standard with the option to reconfigure it for a high density 18-seat layout or an ultra-long-range 12-seat configuration.

The AW189 incorporates the latest avionics technology and a cockpit design featuring advanced situational awareness technologies, which will reduce crew workload and enhance safety.

AgustaWestland said that its AW189 will meet the latest international regulatory safety requirements (EASA/FAA Part 29, JAR OPS 3/EU-OPS).

Bel Air is expecting the AW189, which complements its fleet of AW139 aircraft, to expand the mission capabilities the company is able to offer its customers in the offshore oil and gas transportation markets.

The AW189, which will enter service in early 2014, was launched in response to growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multi-role helicopter in the eight-ton class.

AgustaWestland recently won a $150m contract from Weststar Aviation Services of Malaysia for ten helicopters comprising five AW139s configured for offshore transport, one AW139 for VIP transport, two AW169s and two AW189s.

Previously, the company won a contract from SFS Aviation of Thailand for an AW139 medium twin helicopter.

The aircraft will be delivered later this month and will be used for offshore transport operations in the Gulf of Thailand from the company’s Songkhla base in southern Thailand