To Be Used For EMS Operations

Representatives with AgustaWestland told ANN Monday the Libyan Red Crescent has purchased five A119 Koalas helicopters, to be used for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) operations in the North African country. To date, the helicopter has secured more than 100 orders from customers around the world.

"We are delighted by the Libyan Red Crescent decision to buy the A119 Koala," said Renzo Lunardi, AgustaWestland's Marketing & Sales Director. "This choice strengthens AgustaWestland's position in the growing Libyan market and follows the recent sale of ten A109 Power helicopters."

The Libyan Red Crescent's main activity is providing medical services through its network of health centers and clinics. The agency also participates in disaster relief and health education activities in Libya.

The A119 Koala offers customers high productivity and performance at a competitive price and EMS customers are taking advantage of A119's ability to incorporate a single or dual litter configuration with full patient access for up to two medical attendants. Such attributes are unique to the A119 Koala in the single-engine helicopter market.

The manufacturer says the A119 Koala, with its single 1,002shp Pratt & Whitney PT6B-37A engine, is well suited to the most demanding hot and high conditions, making it ideal for the Libyan climate where summer temperatures regularly rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The A119 Koala is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, with integrated liquid crystal displays, designed to reduce the pilot's workload.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com, www.ifrc.org/cgi/pdf_profile.pl?lyprofile.pdf