Multi-Role Helicopter Second To Be Accepted By Border Patrol Service

A second AW139 medium twin helicopter has been delivered to the Italian Guardia di Finanza (Customs and Border Patrol Service). The aircraft was accepted Friday by Gen. Michele Adinolfi, Guardia di Finanza Chief of Staff and Gen. Daniele Caprino, Interregional Commander for North-East Italy, during an official ceremony held at AgustaWestland's Vergiate plant. The Guardia di Finanza's first AW139 was delivered in mid-2009.

The AW139s are being incorporated into the Guardia di Finanza's Aviation Service fleet as its new generation medium twin helicopter, replacing older models. The AW139s will perform several missions including surveillance, reconnaissance, maritime patrol, law enforcement and homeland security. 

"The AW139 is greatly enhancing the Guardia di Finanza's homeland security operational capabilities to the benefit of the large community we serve," said Gen. Michele Adinolfi. This type is a tremendous addition to our operational capabilities."

AgustaWestland BA609 File Photo

AgustaWestland says it is also seeing growing interest in the BA609 tiltrotor by the Italian Guardia di Finanza.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com