Twin-Engined Helo Goes To Private Owner

AgustaWestland announced this week at Farnborough '08 the first Grand light twin helicopter sold in Russia has been delivered to its private owner.

"The delivery of this Grand helicopter marks the entry into the Russian market of this best selling light twin for VIP and corporate transport," the helomaker tells ANN. "The Grand joins a number of AW119 and AW109 Power helicopters that are already in service with private and corporate clients in Russia."

AgustaWestland says it sees more Russian helo deliveries in the future. The company recently signed a contract and distribution agreement with Oboronprom Corporation and Loyd's Investments Corp. The three-staged agreement paves the way for establishing a number of maintenance centers, to support the expanding AgustaWestland fleet in Russia, and a joint production agreement of AgustaWestland helicopters in Russia for both domestic and international markets.

The Grand is a new top-of-the-range light twin helicopter developed to meet a wide range of market requirements and provides levels of cabin space and payload that until now could only be met by larger, more expensive helicopters.

AgustaWestland says the large unobstructed passenger cabin, advanced avionics, and low operating costs have helped the Grand find marketplace success in a short time. Orders for over 230 helicopters have been placed by almost 130 customers in almost 30 countries worldwide.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com