Falcon Aviation has become the launch operator for Leonardo’s AW169 helicopter in the oil and gas sector. On January 15, the Abu Dhabi-based operator took delivery of the first of two AW169s. It will operate the first, fitted with seats for 10 passengers, in support of Total’s offshore operations in the Gulf. The second aircraft, which is due for delivery later this year, will be equipped for VIP charter service.
The Falcon Aviation fleet already includes a pair of larger AW189 helicopters, as well as one each of the AW109 Grand and AW109 GrandNew models. To date, Italy-based Leonardo has agreements for more than 150 AW169s.

The AW169 features new technology in the rotor system, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A engines and Rockwell Collins avionics suite. In November, Leonardo obtained approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency for an increased gross weight upgrade that adds 441 pounds of payload and an additional 100 nm of range, up from the original ferry range of 431 nm (with no reserves).