ASG Helicopter Flying First AW189 in Central Asia

With the purchase of two offshore-configured Leonardo AW189 super medium helicopters, Azerbaijan-based ASG Helicopter Services is inaugurating the AW189 into service in Central Asia and the Caucasus region. The company’s first AW189 arrived on December 17, and the second is expected to enter service early next year.

ASG is an authorized service center for the AW109 and AW139 and now also for the AW189. The company operates six AW139s in offshore services, two AW139s for search and rescue and EMS, and AW109 GrandNew light twins for passenger transport and aerial filming.

With a maximum cruise speed of 159 knots, the AW189 has a maximum weight of 18,298 pounds with an option for 18,960 pounds. Its main transmission can run without oil for 50 minutes. The helicopter is equipped with an auxiliary power unit and it is the only helicopter “in its class featuring a full ice-protection system,” according to Leonardo, “or, alternatively, a limited ice-protection system." More than 200 such kits are certified for the AW189.

Ten years after certification, approximately 100 AW189s are in service, and more than 160 have been ordered, with more than 50 flying in offshore transport roles.