Abu Dhabi, UAE-based business aviation services, charter, and aircraft management company Falcon Aviation has inked a five-year contract to operate and maintain three new Leonardo Helicopters AW169s for Kuwait Oil Co. (KOC), the companies announced today at the Kuwait Aviation Show. The helicopters, which will arrive in March and April, will be used for onshore and offshore oil-and-gas operations.
The contract marks a “significant expansion” for Falcon Aviation, which will be adding personnel in Kuwait, including offshore pilots, supportive administration personnel, and line and base maintenance technicians. It will also build a new hangar to house the three helicopters and create facilities to perform maintenance on the type.
“The KOC contract specified two helicopters, but Falcon Aviation added a third as backup to provide continuous services,” said Falcon Aviation director of maintenance Nicolas Tejera. “We know and understand the aircraft well and have enjoyed excellent customer satisfaction with the AW169 since introducing the type with Total in ABK Field, UAE, in January 2016.”