This article is based on an official press release from ASG Helicopter Services.

ASG Helicopters Services Introduces First Leonardo AW189 to Caspian Region

ASG Helicopter Services (ASG), a prominent aviation operator based in Azerbaijan, has officially integrated its first Leonardo AW189 helicopter into its fleet. The delivery, celebrated during a presentation on December 17, 2025, marks a significant operational milestone as the first aircraft of its type to enter service in the Caspian Sea region, covering Central Asia and the Caucasus.

According to the company’s announcement, this delivery is the first of two units ordered to support offshore oil and gas operations. The second unit is scheduled for delivery in early 2026. The acquisition was executed through a partnership involving ASG, the manufacturer Leonardo Helicopters, and Exclases Group, the exclusive distributor for Leonardo in the region.

Operational Capabilities and Configuration

The newly delivered AW189 has been supplied in a specialized offshore configuration designed to meet the rigorous demands of the energy sector. ASG Helicopter Services states that the aircraft is tailored for long-range transport and overwater safety, bridging the operational gap between the company’s medium-class AW139s and heavy-class Sikorsky S-92As.

The “super-medium” class helicopter features a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of approximately 8.3 to 8.6 tonnes and is configured to carry 16 passengers plus two pilots. Key safety specifications highlighted in the release include a main gearbox capable of a 50-minute “run-dry” operation, exceeding standard certification requirements, and a Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) to manage the challenging winter conditions of the Caspian region.

Strategic Fleet Modernization

ASG Helicopter Services indicated that the introduction of the AW189 is part of a broader strategy to modernize its fleet and enhance service offerings for major clients such as SOCAR, BP, and TOTAL. By adopting the super-medium platform, the operator aims to provide a more cost-efficient solution for missions that require significant range and payload but do not necessitate the full capacity of a heavy helicopter.

Azer Sultanov, Head of ASG Helicopter Services, emphasized the importance of this acquisition for the company’s future operations:

“Next-generation helicopters represent a significant new era for ASG Helicopter Services. The integration of the AW189 helicopter into our offshore operations strengthens our capability to meet the evolving needs of customers in the oil, gas, and energy sectors, while ensuring the highest standards of safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.”

The company confirmed that the aircraft has already received all necessary registration and airworthiness certificates from the Civil Aviation Authority of Azerbaijan.

AirPro News analysis

The arrival of the AW189 in the Caspian region reflects a wider global trend in the offshore energy sector: the shift toward “super-medium” rotorcraft. For years, the industry relied heavily on heavy helicopters for deep-water transport. However, volatility in oil prices and advancements in avionics have driven operators toward aircraft that offer near-heavy payload capabilities with the lower operating costs of a medium airframe.

By securing the first AW189 in the region, ASG positions itself as a technological leader in the Central Asian market. This move likely anticipates stricter safety standards from International Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP), which increasingly favor modern airframes equipped with advanced terrain awareness and run-dry capabilities. We expect this acquisition to place pressure on regional competitors to upgrade their legacy fleets to maintain contracts with international oil majors.

Technical Specifications and Safety

The AW189 is powered by two General Electric CT7-2E1 engines, providing the necessary power for long-range missions to remote rigs. According to manufacturer data referenced in the report, the aircraft includes a suite of advanced avionics designed to reduce pilot workload and enhance situational awareness.

• Range: Approximately 440-600 nautical miles, depending on payload.
• Emergency Systems: Equipped with life rafts, emergency floats certified up to Sea State 6, and Helicopter Emergency Exit Lighting Systems (HEELS).
• Avionics: Glass cockpit with 4-axis autopilot, Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS), and Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II).

ASG Helicopter Services, which already operates as an Authorized Service Center for Leonardo’s AW139 and AW109 models, will extend its maintenance capabilities to support the new AW189 fleet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the new AW189?
The helicopter is configured for offshore transport, ferrying personnel and supplies to oil and gas platforms in the Caspian Sea.

How many passengers can it carry?
In its current offshore configuration, the aircraft seats 16 passengers and 2 pilots.

When will the second unit arrive?
ASG expects to take delivery of the second AW189 in early 2026.

Sources

• ASG Helicopter Services Press Release

Airbus Helicopters Outlines “Three-Horizon” Innovation Strategy for 2026

Airbus Helicopters is refining its approach to aerospace development, moving away from purely theoretical concepts toward a pragmatic strategy focused on autonomy, military interoperability, and high-speed efficiency. In a recent feature released on January 9, 2026, Denis Descheemaeker, Head of Research and Innovation at Airbus Helicopters, detailed the manufacturer’s “collaborative bubble” concept and its roadmap for the coming decade.

The strategy, described as a “Three-Horizon” approach, seeks to balance immediate safety improvements with long-term disruptive technologies. According to Descheemaeker, the company is prioritizing technologies that deliver measurable operational benefits, such as the high-speed Racer demonstrator, over projects that lack immediate industrial maturity.

The “Three-Horizon” Strategic Framework

Descheemaeker outlines a comprehensive timeline designed to secure the manufacturer’s competitive edge while addressing immediate pilot needs. This framework allows Airbus to manage resources between upgrading legacy platforms and developing next-generation systems.

• Short Term: The focus is on safety and workload reduction. This involves automating flight controls and deploying next-generation avionics to reduce pilot stress during complex missions.
• Medium Term: The objective shifts to “disruptive capabilities.” This includes upgrading existing platforms, such as the NH90, with research-derived features and implementing hybridization to improve fuel efficiency.
• Long Term: The strategy targets fully autonomous systems and new aircraft architectures, specifically centering on Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).

The “Collaborative Bubble”: Manned-Unmanned Teaming

A central pillar of the long-term strategy is the integration of crewed helicopters with uncrewed systems, a concept Descheemaeker refers to as the “collaborative bubble.” In this operational model, the helicopter serves as a command center, controlling drones to extend the crew’s situational awareness and operational reach.

This capability was demonstrated during the MUSHER project, a European Defence Fund initiative. In October 2024, Airbus achieved “Level of Interoperability 4” (LOI 4), successfully controlling a drone directly from a helicopter cockpit. The demonstration utilized an Airbus H130 Flightlab and a VSR700 drone operating alongside assets from Leonardo.

“The quest for autonomy begins with understanding the environment surrounding the helicopter… enabling collaboration between crewed and uncrewed systems. This was a joint project, showing that we can work with partners and even competitors to defend Europe and NATO.”

, Denis Descheemaeker, Head of Research and Innovation at Airbus Helicopters

The successful demonstration proved that assets from different manufacturers and nations could communicate on a single network, a critical requirement for future European defense autonomy. Potential use cases include anti-piracy operations, where drones scout ahead of the main aircraft, and firefighting, where tandem drones monitor heat zones.

High-Speed Efficiency: The Racer Demonstrator

While autonomy defines the digital future, the Racer demonstrator represents the company’s aerodynamic achievements. The high-speed rotorcraft has become a flagship success story for the 2025–2026 period. In April 2025, the Racer achieved a cruise speed of 240 knots (444 km/h), surpassing its original performance targets.

Beyond speed, the Racer is a testbed for hybridization. It features a unique “Eco-Mode” propulsion system that allows one of its two Aneto-1X engines to be paused during cruise flight. This capability reduces fuel consumption by approximately 25% compared to conventional helicopters of similar weight.

Descheemaeker noted the dual objectives of this technology:

“Our objectives here are twofold: to increase safety with electric assistance in the event of failure, but also… to make the helicopter quieter.”

AirPro News Analysis: The Shift from eVTOL Hype to Pragmatism

While the official release highlights the successes of the Racer and MUSHER programs, the broader context of Airbus Helicopters’ 2026 strategy reveals a significant pivot regarding Urban Air Mobility (UAM). Industry reports indicate that the commercial launch of the CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL has been paused as of early 2026.

This decision aligns with Descheemaeker’s emphasis on pragmatism. Leadership has cited battery maturity as a primary hurdle, noting that current technology does not yet meet the safety and performance standards required for a viable commercial product. By shifting the CityAirbus NextGen back to a research status rather than an imminent product launch, Airbus is avoiding the “hype trap” that has plagued other eVTOL startups.

Instead, the company is leveraging its “Flying Laboratories”, including the Flightlab (H130), DisruptiveLab, and PioneerLab (H145), to mature the underlying technologies of electrification and automation before committing to serial production of air taxis. This reinforces the “Three-Horizon” strategy: prioritizing technologies that work today (like the Racer’s hybrid Eco-Mode) while continuing research into those required for tomorrow.

Sources

Airbus Helicopters

This article summarizes reporting by Runway Girl Network.

JETMS to Relocate Production to Lithuania, Reposition UK as Design Hub

Effective January 1, 2026, aircraft interior solutions provider JETMS will restructure its global operations, shifting manufacturing activities from the United Kingdom to Lithuania. According to reporting by Runway Girl Network, the subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group is undertaking this transition to optimize its supply chain and leverage specific regional strengths.

The reorganization involves a clear division of labor between the company’s two primary arms: JETMS Completions Ltd in the UK and JETMS Interiors UAB in Lithuania. As detailed in the coverage, the move aims to unify the brand’s capabilities, offering a comprehensive solution that spans initial design to final installation.

Strategic Division of Operations

Under the new structure, the company’s facility in Kaunas, Lithuania, will be designated as the Group’s “Production Centre of Excellence.” Reporting indicates that this division will assume responsibility for full-scale cabin manufacturing, refurbishment, and installation projects. The decision leverages the scale of the Lithuanian operations to handle heavy production tasks.

Conversely, the UK division, based at London Biggin Hill Airport, will pivot to become the “Centre of Excellence for Design and Engineering.” According to the announcement, the UK team will focus on high-value technical services, including:

• Bespoke cabin design and innovation.
• Engineering and certification (Supplemental Type Certificates).
• Research and development (R&D).
• Business development and modification programs.

This separation allows the UK branch to concentrate on intellectual property and precision engineering while the Lithuanian branch focuses on manufacturing output.

Facility Capabilities and Leadership

The transition relies heavily on the capacity of the Lithuanian infrastructure. The Kaunas facility spans approximately 65,000 square feet (6,000 square meters) and is equipped for comprehensive cabin production. Mindaugas Trapenskis, CEO of JETMS Interiors UAB, is set to lead this new production hub.

Stefan Chevalier, the CEO of JETMS, described the move as a logical step for the company’s expansion. In a statement cited by Runway Girl Network, Chevalier emphasized the synergy between the two locations:

“This strategic transition represents a natural evolution in our growth journey, enabling us to combine the design and engineering expertise of our UK team with world-class manufacturing capabilities in Lithuania.”

, Stefan Chevalier, CEO of JETMS

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AirPro News Analysis

We observe that this restructuring aligns with broader industry trends where aerospace companies seek to lower production costs while retaining high-level engineering talent in established aviation hubs like the UK. By moving labor-intensive manufacturing to Lithuania, a region where parent company Avia Solutions Group has a significant footprint, JETMS likely aims to reduce overheads and streamline logistics. Meanwhile, maintaining the “Centre of Excellence” in London ensures the company retains its prestige and certification authority in the highly regulated UK aviation market.

Sources

Runway Girl Network, Avia Solutions Group