Last year, Leonardo shipped a single AW189 to Russia, later placing it with the type’s first local client, Aviashelf Aviation Company. The Mil Mi-8 operator was established in 1999 by Bristow Group Inc., along with local investors, and provides helicopter charter service to offshore oil-and-gas companies. It also serves international projects on the island of Sakhalin.
Following certification for the type and training for pilots and maintenance personnel, the Aviashelf AW189 became operational “weeks ago” and is now transporting personnel to and from offshore oil-and-gas platforms. An Aviashelf representative told AIN that Rosneft is among the customers using its charter services.

The Rosneft contract for 10 helicopters is “a part of the bigger deal” that was announced in December 2014, calling for as many as 200 AW189s. However, Dalmasso acknowledged, that bigger deal is yet to be finalized. The two companies continue discussing details and are working to acquire various permissions from government bodies.

At signing, Rosneft requested that most of its helicopters be assembled in Russia at the HeliVert plant in Tomilino. HeliVert is a joint venture between Leonardo and Russian Helicopters. Currently, it assembles AW139s, with six machines havin been completed and delivered to local customers. Another 24 Western-built AW139s are operating in Russia. The total Russian fleet of 56 Leonardo helicopters also includes AW109s.

Rosneft said the batch of 10 AW189s is worth €160 million and will go to its aviation arm RN-Aircraft. If the “bigger deal” comes to fruition, Rosneft will buy a 30-percent stake in HeliVert, reducing Leonardo’s share to 40 percent and Russian Helicopters’ to 30 percent.

Rosneft said it chose the AW189 because it best fits the requirement for a medium helicopter, well suited to offshore flights in the Arctic with a focus on speed, range and their ability to operate from compact helipads on ships and oil platforms. Russian Helicopters is offering the Kamov Ka-62, but it is still in the early stages of test flights.