Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

With the purchase of two offshore-configured Leonardo AW189 super medium helicopters, Azerbaijan-based ASG Helicopter Services is inaugurating the AW189 into service in Central Asia and the Caucasus region. The company’s first AW189 arrived on December 17, and the second is expected to enter service early next year.
ASG is an authorized service center for the AW109 and AW139 and now also for the AW189. The company operates six AW139s in offshore services, two AW139s for search and rescue and EMS, and AW109 GrandNew light twins for passenger transport and aerial filming.
With a maximum cruise speed of 159 knots, the AW189 has a maximum weight of 18,298 pounds with an option for 18,960 pounds. Its main transmission can run without oil for 50 minutes. The helicopter is equipped with an auxiliary power unit and it is the only helicopter “in its class featuring a full ice-protection system,” according to Leonardo, “or, alternatively, a limited ice-protection system." More than 200 such kits are certified for the AW189.
Ten years after certification, approximately 100 AW189s are in service, and more than 160 have been ordered, with more than 50 flying in offshore transport roles.

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ASG Helicopter Services Flying First AW189 in Central Asia

Azerbaijan-based operator using the aircraft for offshore services

ASG Helicopter's first AW189 arrived on December 17, and the second is expected to enter service early next year.

ASG Helicopter Flying First AW189 in Central Asia

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In this article

Leonardo AW189

Leonardo

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