Gama Aviation Expands AW139 Engineer Training after CAA Approval

GAMA, March 25, 2026 - Gama Aviation has expanded its engineering training portfolio with the UK CAA’s acceptance of its Part 147 Training Needs Analysis (TNA) and course approvals for the Leonardo AW139.

The AW139 is a versatile twin engine helicopter powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engines.

This approval enables Gama Aviation to deliver B1.3, B2 and Category C theory and practical training, supporting engineers working across one of the most widely operated helicopter platforms in offshore, VIP, EMS and utility roles.

The AW139 approval reflects Gama Aviation’s continued investment in its training capability, ensuring customers benefit from robust, compliant, and accessible training solutions that align with operational and fleet requirements.

By strengthening its Part 147 portfolio, Gama Aviation continues to support operators and engineering teams with high quality training that enables licence progression while enhancing overall technical resilience.

Paul Kinch, Managing Director of Gama Aviation MRO, commented: “The AW139 remains one of the most widely used helicopters across multiple mission profiles, and operators depend on high‑quality training to keep their fleets mission‑ready. This acceptance strengthens our ability to support customers with the technical capability they need, delivered to the highest regulatory and training standards.”

Olusegun Johnson, Training Manager – Part 147 at Gama Aviation MRO, added: “We’re delighted to add AW139 capability to our training portfolio and look forward to supporting engineers with high quality, compliant training on this important helicopter. My thanks go to everyone involved in developing and submitting our application, their hard work and attention to detail have been key to achieving this approval.”

Gama Aviation’s Part 147 programmes combine classroom-based instruction with practical, hands-on experience delivered by instructors with extensive operational expertise. The organisation continues to enhance and expand its training portfolio to meet evolving customer requirements and industry demand, ensuring engineers have access to high quality, compliant pathways for licence progression.

Engineers and operators interested in upcoming AW139 courses are encouraged to contact the Part 147 Training Team to discuss their requirements.

Bond Helicopters

Helis - Gama Aviation and Bond Helicopters are partners in a 50:50 joint venture called Bond Helicopters Limited, established in October 2022. The venture marked the return of the “Bond” name to the offshore aviation sector after nearly a decade and was created to pursue rotary special mission opportunities, particularly in offshore energy (oil, gas, wind) and future decommissioning work. While ownership is evenly split between Gama Aviation and founder Peter Bond, Gama acts as the dominant partner, holding the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and fully consolidating the venture’s financial results. The partnership strategically combines Bond’s extensive offshore experience with Gama’s global infrastructure and financial strength.

A major early milestone came with the award of a five-year, £130 million contract with Perenco, supporting offshore operations in the Southern North Sea from January 2024. This contract effectively launched the operational phase of the joint venture and positioned it as a serious player in the offshore helicopter services market. The venture’s focus on long-term energy sector support, including emerging decommissioning projects, aligns with broader industry shifts in the North Sea.

Operationally, the venture began with a fleet of five leased Leonardo AW139 helicopters based at Norwich Airport. Growth plans are already underway, with Gama Aviation placing additional orders for Leonardo aircraft, including more AW139s to expand offshore capacity. The joint venture agreement also includes future ownership flexibility, allowing Gama to acquire Peter Bond’s stake or for Bond to exit after a defined period, ensuring a clear pathway for long-term strategic control.