Brazil’s OHI Group orders nine AgustaWestland helicopters

OHI Group of Brazil and AgustaWestland sign contract for nine helicopters at Heli-Expo 2014

The OHI Group of Brazil has ordered four AW139 and five AW189 helicopters from AugustaWestland.

OHI Group of Brazil and AgustaWestland sign contract for nine helicopters at Heli-Expo 2014

Omni Helicopters International Group (OHI) has signed a contract with AugustaWestland for the supply of nine aircraft including four AW139 and five AW189 helicopters that will be delivered in offshore configurations.

The contract completes a framework agreement that included a total requirement for 13 AW139s, and adds AW189, marking the entrance of this new generation model in the Brazilian market.

The latest agreement brings the total number of AgustaWestland helicopters ordered by OHI Group to 18.

The operator currently has seven AW139s already in service, with a further two helicopters due for delivery in 2014.

Deliveries of the latest batch of AW139s will begin in late 2015, whilst deliveries of the AW189s will start in late 2016.

The total deal is valued at approximately €125 million.

Daniele Romiti, chief operating officer of AgustaWestland said: “We are proud to see OHI Group added to the ever expanding list of leading operators who have chosen our unique Family advantage to perform a significant step ahead in mission effectiveness, safety and efficiency.”

“This contract not only confirms the confidence of this key offshore operator in the unmatched capabilities of the AW139, but also expands our partnership with the introduction of the new comer AW189 to this most important Brazilian player with aggressive international growth plans. We are sure our Family approach is set to find incredible success in Brazil and elsewhere,” added Romiti.

Richard Burman, chief executive officer of OHI, said: “OHI is excited by the planned expansion of its fleet and by the extension of the already extensive and positive agreement with AgustaWestland.”