PHI AW139s - Are they operational?

[47B-3]

PHI took delivery of two AW139s from Copterline at LAF the same week as HeliExpo 2010 was held in Houston. Are these AW139s operational yet? Painted in PHI colours?

[Ian Corrigible]

The rumor in the fall was that they were traded-in as part of the deal for PHI's 10 new 139s, without ever actually entering service in the GOM. The rumor is given some creedance by the fact that they now both show as being registered to AAC (N798AA (ex-N139PH) & N998AA (ex-N140PH)).

But I stand to be corrected...

I/C

[squib66]

Very strange. They were bought just before the Shell contract award. Does this suggest that Shell turned down the chance to phase out some of their S-76s early? More waivering on 7/7?

This is more up to date
FAA Registry - Aircraft - N-Number Inquiry (http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Inquiry.aspx)

[squib66]

I don't even believe Shell would be so moronic as to insist a bidder own an aircraft type to qualify to bid and then give that bidder equal credance as bidders actually operating the type.