Two AW189 twin engine helicopters operated by Bel Air of Denmark have recently exceeded a combined 2,000 flight hours, with the first aircraft reaching 1,200 and the second unit achieving 1,000. The first helicopter exceeded 600 hours in June, making it the global fleet leader.

The company's AW189s perform long range offshore transport missions in the North Sea, and in October 2014 the customer signed a contract for a third aircraft of the type, which coincided with the delivery of the first. The operator selected the 8.6 tonne maximum gross weight upgrade for greater payload.

Already operating four AW139s, Bel Air is benefitting from the common cockpit layout and similarities in design, which have made the transition to the AW189 easier in terms of training and maintenance. It will be expanding its operations in support of the North Sea oil and gas industry, as well as carrying out offshore wind turbine support and ad hoc helicopter services from its main base at Esbjerg airport.