LANGKAWI: Weststar Aviation Services, the largest offshore helicopter transportation services provider in Southeast Asia, celebrated significant milestones at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition exhibition 2023.
Weststar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Petronas and inked key deals with Leonardo, including for the procurement of five helicopters from the Italian company.
The latter was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Also present were Italian ambassador to Malaysia, Massimo Rustico, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Italian Vice Minister of Transport Edoardo Rixi and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The agreement encompasses the purchase of five AW139 helicopters, as well as a AW609 tiltrotor aircraft partnership agreement, which will facilitate Weststar Aviation Services' global expansion plans and bolster Weststar's local operations.
This makes Weststar the sole operator in Asia to have entered an exclusive partnership with Leonardo for the AW609 rotorcraft.
The AW609 is a groundbreaking aircraft that combines the vertical take-off and landing capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft.
Its unique tiltrotor technology enables seamless transitions between vertical and forward flight, making it ideal for a wide range of applications including executive transport, emergency medical services, and offshore operations.
Meanwhile, with Petronas, Weststar signed an MoU which will serve as a blueprint between the company as well as other offshore helicopter operators in Malaysia, and Petronas to drive the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Weststar Group managing director Tan Sri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim said the company was "immensely proud" of the achievements and partnerships.
"The signing of the MoU with Petronas and the agreement with Leonardo Helicopter Malaysia mark significant milestones in our journey towards sustainable aviation practices and global expansion."