AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Esperia Aviation Services S.p.A. of Italy has signed a contract for one Grand light twin helicopter. This six cabin seat-configured aircraft will be used for passenger transport purposes operating from its base at Rome’s Urbe Airport. This contract further strengthens the leading role played by AgustaWestland in the Italian commercial helicopter market adding a new customer who has chosen the best selling light twin model to start passenger transport operations at Rome’s Urbe Airport. A partnership between AgustaWestland and Esperia launched in April 2008 was aimed at establishing the first helicopter hub in Italy at Rome’s Urbe Airport. This collaboration is seeing Esperia building new hangars, hospitality and office areas to offer passenger hospitality services, passenger transport provision and corporate helicopter management services while AgustaWestland is establishing a helicopter maintenance centre for its helicopters. The two companies are now committed to further expand this partnership with additional similar initiatives in other parts of Italy.

The Grand has set a new standard in the light twin helicopter class providing levels of cabin space and payload previously only available with larger, more expensive helicopters. The spacious cabin and interior crafted to the highest standards provides unequalled comfort. One of the Grand’s most acclaimed features is its superior performance with a maximum cruise speed of 155 kts (287 km/h), a maximum range of 432 nautical miles (800 km) and an endurance of over 4 hours. The Grand additionally features advanced avionics and high levels of safety, low operating costs and excellent customer support. Its two powerful turboshaft engines provided with electronic control (FADEC) ensure a full Cat. A/Class 1 capability. Highly aerodynamic, the Grand is fitted with advanced composite rotor blades that reduce noise level well below ICAO limits. Orders for over 270 helicopters have been placed by more than 140 customers in over 30 countries worldwide, in order to perform several tasks including VIP/corporate transport, EMS, SAR and HPS.
Esperia Aviation Services is the new brand in the Business Aviation segment that sets the highest standards in term of quality and safety, far exceeding regulations requirements. Esperia, operating from its main base at Rome’s Urbe, provides to its valued customer high personalized flight services. At the same time, Esperia is involved in the development of aeronautical infrastructure to guarantee an adequate environment to business improvement. Thanks to the expertise of its management, Esperia could provide a wide range of tailored solutions from fleet management services to membership of a selected club.

Source: Agusta Westland