Weststar Aviation Services Marks Milestones and Engagements at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023
Langkawi, Malaysia, May 24, 2023 – Weststar Aviation Services, the largest offshore helicopter transportation services provider in Southeast Asia, celebrated significant achievements and milestones at the prestigious Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability and excellence, Weststar signed a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PETRONAS and signed key agreements with Leonardo Helicopter Malaysia, among other notable activities.
Weststar Aviation Services made headlines at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA 2023) when it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PETRONAS, Malaysia’s national oil and gas company. This MOU serves as a blueprint for collaboration between Weststar and other offshore helicopter operators in Malaysia, alongside PETRONAS, to drive the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in offshore helicopter operations. This pioneering initiative underscores Weststar’s dedication to supporting environmental sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in the aviation industry.
During the LIMA'23 exhibition, Weststar Aviation Services, together with Leonardo Helicopter Malaysia and PETRONAS, successfully integrated Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into one of Weststar AW139 VIP helicopters, establishing Weststar as the first helicopter operator in the country to adopt SAF.
Sustainable aviation fuel is an eco-friendly alternative to conventional aviation fuel derived from renewable sources like biomass and waste. SAF provides several benefits for helicopter operators, including 80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional jet fuel. It also improves fuel efficiency, resulting in lower operating costs for operators, and offers a higher energy density than regular jet fuel, allowing helicopters to travel longer distances with a single tank. SAF has gained widespread acceptance among helicopter operators worldwide and Weststar's adoption of SAF marks a significant milestone in sustainable aviation in Malaysia.
Agreement with Leonardo Helicopter Malaysia
Another momentous occasion was the signing of an agreement between Weststar Aviation Services and Leonardo Helicopter Malaysia, witnessed by esteemed guests including the and the Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Ambassador of Italy to Malaysia, His Excellency Massimo Rustico, Transport Minister, YB Tuan Loke Siew Fook, Mr Edoardo Rixi, Italy Vice Minister of Transport, and the Chief Minister of Malacca YAB Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. The agreement encompasses the purchase of 5 AW139 helicopters, as well as the AW609 tiltrotor aircraft partnership agreement, which will facilitate Weststar Aviation Services’ global expansion plans and bolster Weststar’s local operations.
Weststar is the sole operator in Asia to have entered an exclusive partnership with Leonardo for the AW609 rotorcraft. This strategic collaboration demonstrates Weststar's strong commitment to exploring the diverse potential missions and roles of the AW609 aircraft. As part of this partnership, Leonardo will provide Weststar initial training and maintenance support, while both parties plan to conduct demonstration activities during the capability development phase. This partnership signifies Weststar Aviation Services' dedication to driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering exceptional customer service.
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.
Reaffirmation of Commitment to Excellence
“We are immensely proud of the achievements and partnerships formed during LIMA 2023,” stated Tan Sri Dr. Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, the Group Managing Director of The Weststar Group. “The signing of the MOU with PETRONAS and the agreement with Leonardo Helicopter Malaysia marks significant milestones in our journey towards sustainable aviation practices and global expansion. We are grateful for the support and collaboration of our esteemed partners, and we remain dedicated to delivering world-class helicopter services while prioritizing environmental responsibility and operational excellence.”
Weststar Aviation Services’ participation at LIMA 2023 has solidified its position as an industry leader in offshore helicopter transportation services and highlighted its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices, innovation, and exceptional service delivery.
About Weststar Aviation Services
Weststar Aviation Services is a prominent global provider of offshore helicopter services. With a global presence and a commitment to excellence, Weststar has firmly established itself as a reliable partner to major players in the oil and gas industry. Weststar continuously invests in advanced technologies, rigorous training programs, and robust maintenance protocols to ensure that our operations meet and exceed the highest industry standards. Weststar Aviation Services' presence extends across multiple countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
