Latest: Single dad paramedic among UAE mountain crash helicopter victims
The AgustaWestland 139 is sold as one of the safest helicopters on the market.
Boasting twin engines and several safety features, it has been adapted for use across a range of sectors. Its interior space – it has room for up to 15 passengers – has made it a popular option for offshore companies seeking to transport workers to platforms at sea. Abu Dhabi Aviation last year ordered two additional AW139s, to compliment the 15 it already had, to help move oil and gas sector employees.
With a cruise speed of 165 knots (306kph), the fastest of its size, it is also an attractive option for rescue and emergency services. It is able to take off and land in confined areas and on uneven terrain. The room on offer means there is space for up to four stretchers along with five seats and large doors can allow for easy loading and unloading of patients.
Introduced in 2003, it has also been adapted for police and fire services, as well as the military. The UAE were among the first air forces to purchase AW139s.
However, it has been involved in accidents over the years. In 2014, one of the helicopters crashed in Norfolk, England, in heavy fog. All four people on board were killed including Edward Haughey, a member of the British House of Lords. An investigation found there had been no mechanical error.
Last year, an investigation was launched after a helicopter crashed in waters near Mubarraz Island. The crew of the AW139 decided to ditch after hearing a warning message and hearing a mechanical noise while they were transporting oil workers.
The crew made a “mayday” call on the emergency radio frequency.
The two crew members and passenger on board were uninjured and boarded the aircraft’s emergency raft. They were rescued by the UAE Coastguard.
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
