AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that HeliClub of Russia has placed an order for one AW139 medium twin helicopter becoming the first customer for the type in Russia. This aircraft, which adds to a Grand light twin helicopter already ordered by the company, will be used to perform corporate and passenger transport missions. Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business Unit, AgustaWestland said “We are delighted to announce the first Russian customer for the AW139. This latest contract represents an important milestone in the long list of successes achieved by the best selling medium twin since it entered the global market only a few years ago. This accomplishment is further confirmation of the AW139’s capability to meet the most stringent requirements from customers all over the world in terms of performance, technology and operational effectiveness. We are confindent that the success of the AW139 will follow that of the AW119Ke, the AW109 Power and the Grand in the Russian market.”

Extensively tested in the most extreme conditions such as those encountered in Canada and in the Middle East, the AW139 meets Russian operational requirements whilst delivering the highest levels of technology, safety, flexibility and operational capability. The AW139, thanks to its outstanding features, has been identified and selected by Russian industry as the benchmark helicopter in the light medium weight category to meet various demanding civil requirements in the region. A final assembly line in Russia for the AW139 civil helicopter is to be set up and run by HeliVert, a Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland Joint Venture. The final assembly line is aimed at satisfying the requirements of the civil markets in Russia and CIS countries primarily and – through the AgustaWestland network – for the rest of the world. An AW139 will perform a three week demonstration tour in Russia soon, visiting various areas towards Siberia, before arriving in Tyumen and Surgut regions.

The sole new generation helicopter in its class with almost 300 units already in service and orders for over 460 aircraft placed by more than 130 customers from almost 50 countries worldwide, the AW139 is the best seller in the medium twin category and a proven platform performing a number of roles including offshore transport, emergency medical service, search and rescue, VIP/corporate transport, shuttle service, public utility duties. The largest cabin in its category provides room for 15 passengers or up to four stretchers and four medical attendants. The all new recently certified AW139’s full de-icing configuration based on the Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) further expands the already impressive capabilities of the AW139 by providing real all weather capability required in a growing number of applications. Moreover, a Maximum Gross Weight (MGW) of 6,800 kg (14,991 Ib), a 400 kg (882 Ib) increase on the basic MGW, is also available as an optional kit. The increased MGW and payload enable the AW139, with a maximum range of over 500 nm (926 km), to target the long range offshore transport market currently being met by larger 19-seat types. HeliClub is a leading company in the supply of helicopter pilot training services and the sale of helicopters in Russia. HeliClub offers high level on demand passenger transport services in the country. The deal for the AW139 has been financed through VTB-Leasing.