Bond Aviation Group announced yesterday it has signed “a framework agreement” with AgustaWestland (Booth No. 5602) for the purchase of 10 helicopters, with options for another five.

The agreement includes a mix of AW139, AW169 and AW189 aircraft. It follows a memorandum of understanding signed in September last year to establish a global framework agreement. The agreement covers all the Bond and Inaer companies in order to establish a multi-year contract covering the purchase of aircraft of the three types. The aircraft will be used for offshore oil and gas support and helicopter emergency medical service, as well as support of the emerging offshore wind-farm market.

According to Emilio Dalmasso, AgustaWestland senior v-p of commercial business, the framework agreement makes Bond and Inaer Group the first European customer for the entire range of AgustaWestland next-generation commercial helicopters.

Bond is based in Staverton and is one of the largest helicopter operators in the UK. Bond was acquired last March by private investors who also own Spanish operator Inaer Group.