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AZAL purchases 10 new helicopters

21 December 2012 10:37 (UTC +04:00)

According to information, AgustaWestland has signed a contract valued at approximately EUR 115 million with Azerbaijan Airlines to supply ten helicopters (eight AW139s and two AW189s). These helicopters will be used to perform a range of mission including offshore transport, emergency medical service, search and rescue and VIP transport.

Bruno Spagnolini, Chief Executive Officer of AgustaWestland declared: “The selection of the AW139 and AW189 to cover such a wide range of missions testifies the competitiveness and superiority of our helicopters as to the international competition. With this success in Azerbaijan we believe we can secure further opportunities across the region”.

Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business Unit, AgustaWestland said “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. We are proud that Azerbaijan Airlines has chosen our products to meet its future rotorcraft requirements. Selecting the best selling AW139 and the new AW189 to cover such a wide range of missions once more testifies large fleet operators’ confidence in the unprecedented combination of capabilities, versatility, high performance and low overall costs offered by our Family of new generation helicopters”.

Note that 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 programme 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. The spacious cabin is configured with 16 seats as standard with the option for a high density 18 seat layout or a long range 12 seat configuration.