Right on time for the start of the world’s largest offshore wind energy project, Siemens Gemini, Heli Service International received the first Leonardo-Finmeccanica AW169.
The midsized twin-engine helicopter of the 4.8-ton class is the first of its kind, specifically designed for demanding offshore applications.
Heli Service International, based in northern Germany, is the first customer to employ this new type on the European helicopter market. The AW169, with call sign D-HHTJ, features a special lightweight configuration. It meets the customers’ requirements for the transfer of maintenance personnel to and from the wind turbines in an optimum way and also includes a hoist from Goodrich.
With its performance, technology, and high safety standards, the AW169 sets the benchmark among its contenders on the German and European offshore market. In its class, the AW169 is the most advanced helicopter available. This new type will raise the capabilities of Heli Service International to a whole new level for hoist-operation onto wind turbines.
Managing directors Oliver Freiland, Eberhard Herr and Nils Herrmann are certain: “After an extensive investigation of all relevant helicopter-types available, we are confident of having chosen the perfect match for our offshore customer´s demand for high-quality and safe operation, while being economically efficient.”
