Perth-based HNZ (formerly Helicopters Australia) has taken delivery of the first of three AW109SPs. The aircraft is being readied for marine pilot transfer operations at Karratha in the north-west of Western Australia.
Replacing three EC145 helicopters, the new Agustas were shipped to Perth from Italy and re-assembled at HNZ’s Jandakot facility where they are now undergoing testing.
All three AW109s are expected to be in service by the middle of 2013 as part of a 10-year contract with Rio Tinto.
