Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA), a helicopter and fixed-wing oil and gas and charter operator, inducted two new Leonardo AW169s into its fleet last month. “One is going onto an offshore oil and gas contract, while the other is available for charter or other contracts," Mark Pierotti, ADA's commercial department director, told AIN. "ADA is proud to bring into its fleet a brand-new type; the AW169 is a state-of-the-art offshore-capable helicopter.”

Out of ADA's fleet of 61 aircraft, 54 are helicopters. The majority of the fleet is on permanent contract, while around six—including its AW139s, Bell 412s, and AW169s—are available for ad hoc private charter.

The International Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) Association has developed recommended standards for the industry, including aviation transportation. The AW169 is among the leading IOGP standards-qualified aircraft in the four- to five-ton category, he said.

Last month, ADA received the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Stage 3 safety accreditation. “This is to enable us to access the charter market with the correct and relevant accreditations, giving our customers confidence,” Pierotti said.

In operation since 1976, ADA claims to be the largest operator and maintainer of helicopters in the Middle East and North Africa region. The company also operates and maintains Dash 8 Q200, Q300, and Q400 regional turboprops, offering charter and leasing services worldwide.