Aircraft Slated For Use In Offshore Transport, EMS, SAR, And VIP Transport Missions

Azerbaijan Airlines has ordered ten AgustaWestland helicopters. The order is made up of eight AW139 intermediate twins and a preliminary sales contract for two AW189 medium twins. Six helicopters, four AW139s and the two AW189s, will be used for offshore transport operations; two AW139s for emergency medical services, one AW139 for search and rescue and one AW139 for VIP transport. Deliveries are expected to start in the second half of 2013 and the contract is valued at approximately $150 million.

This order marks the entrance of AgustaWestland into Azerbaijan’s helicopter market. The contracts also add another leading operator to the list of customers which have selected models from the AgustaWestland Family of new generation helicopters, comprising the AW139, AW169 and AW189. Azerbaijan Airlines will benefit from the latest technology and safety standards, as well as the common approach to maintenance and training adopted for the AW139 and AW189 which will maximise effectiveness and significantly reduce overall operating costs.

State-of-the-art technology, outstanding performance, low operating costs and the only helicopter in its class to meet the latest safety standards, have made the AW139 the helicopter of choice in the intermediate twin market. Nearly 670 AW139s have been sold in almost 60 countries to more than 180 customers for many roles including VIP/corporate transport, passenger transport, law enforcement, fire fighting, offshore transport, search and rescue, emergency medical service, disaster relief and maritime security.
 
The AW189 was launched in June 2011 in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole helicopter in the 8-tonne class. With five prototypes now in flight totalling over 800 hours and contracts signed for more than 60 units including firm orders and options, the AW189 program is set to achieve certification in the second half of 2013. The twin engine AW189 helicopter is optimised for the long range offshore transport and SAR missions as well as parapublic and VIP transport roles.

(Image provided by AgustaWestland)

FMI: www.agustawestland.com