Aberdeen, 23 October 2026 – Bristow Group and Leonardo today celebrated the operational readiness of a brand new AW139 Full Flight Level D Simulator at Bristow Helicopters’ simulation hall in Dyce, Aberdeen, close to the International Airport.
This latest system – developed by Leonardo and CAE through their Rotorsim Joint Venture - adds to an existing AW189 Level D Full Flight Simulator which is already in service, expanding the number of available simulation devices and further strengthening the level of capabilities provided to Bristow and third-party crews.
A one-of-a-kind facility in the UK, the purpose-built centre houses simulators, six classrooms and specialist instructors, and is a vital resource for Bristow’s oil and gas and Search and Rescue pilots.
The move demonstrates the partners’ commitment to ensure the best level of service is provided as close to crucial areas of operations as possible, such as in the North Sea, one of the most important areas for long range offshore missions and Search and Rescue operations, supporting the energy industry as well as local communities.
The AW139 is one of the most used helicopters for both these types of missions in this region, with Bristow being one of the leading AW139 operators globally.
Fabrizio Peano, Leonardo Helicopters Vice President Simulation & Training Services, said: “This milestone marks an important moment for us, CAE and Bristow, at a time when we carry out our Safety Seminar in Aberdeen.
"Training and simulation technologies are essential enablers to guarantee maximised benefits from customers' helicopter use and to consistently raise the bar of operational safety.
"We’re excited to celebrate this latest result together and we look forward to supporting Bristow, and other potential users, as they begin to utilise this new device.”
Nigel Piercey, Bristow Head of UK Training, said: “We are delighted to see the AW139 simulator now installed at our Aberdeen Training Centre. This new simulator will provide a tremendous capability for supporting pilots as they train on the AW139 aircraft, delivering mission-critical services for our UK and international customers.”
Leonardo is an international industrial group that develops multi-domain technological capabilities for global security. A key player in the major strategic programmes in Aerospace, Defence and Security, it employs over 62,000 people worldwide and operates in the Electronics, Helicopters, Aircraft, Cyber & Security and Space sectors. The company has a significant industrial presence in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland and the United States, and is active in 150 countries also through subsidiaries, joint ventures and investees. Leonardo is a technological and industrial partner to Governments, Defence Administrations, Institutions and businesses. Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2025 Leonardo recorded new orders of €23.8 billion, an order backlog of €46.6 billion and consolidated revenues of €19.5 billion. Included in the MIB ESG Index, the company has also been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010.
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