New helicopter for Helifix

Business
Source:
The National, Monday July 11th, 2016

IT was all smiles for Helifix Group chief executive officer Robert Agarobe as the AW139 helicopter touched down at the Jacksons International Airport just before noon  on  Friday.
The AgustaWestland AW139 is Helifix’s new addition to its existing fleet of 18 helicopters and four fixed wing aeroplanes.
“It is an exciting moment for Helifix, we always say as an indigenous in the industry, we like to set the standards,” Agarobe told the media.
“We are always looking at newer ventures. Bringing a new type like this aircraft of this capability is a big plus for us.”
The AW139 is the market-leading intermediate twin-engine helicopter  – the benchmark for safety design features, performance capabilities and productivity in challenging multi-role operations all over the world.
It is marketed at several different roles, including VIP/corporate transport, offshore transport, fire fighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical service, disaster relief, and maritime patrol.
Agarobe said it was also specifically designed for the oil and gas market.
“The way PNG is heading now with the gas industry and a lot of the bigger industry players coming in, we felt that this helicopter here will have a place in PNG.”
He said it was first of its type in PNG and there was a lot of work behind the scene by Helifix, other industry partners and Civil Aviation Safety Authority to make this a reality. Agarobe said there was room for additional aircrafts to come in depending on the demand.
“There’s going to be extensive training. We are going to be sending our crew to Dubai and the United Sates to get the required training on how to operate the aircraftto be extensive training. He said the helicopter is licensed to carry 15 passenger and two crew.  With this one,  it’s kitted out to carry 12.