The Autonomous Province of Trento in Italy has taken delivery of the first of two AW139 medium twin helicopters. The aircraft will be operated by the Fire Fighting Department Aviation Unit based in Trento to perform emergency medical service, search and rescue and disaster relief missions across the Province. The second AW139 is expected to be delivered by the end of the year.

The AW139 was chosen by the Autonomous Province of Trento after a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation and competitive process meeting its demanding mission and safety requirements. The delivery marks the addition of another major EMS and rescue operator in Italy to the list of customers who have already chosen the AW139 and further expands the presence of the type both in Italy and across the world’s emergency medical service and search and rescue market. AW139 helicopters configured to perform EMS, SAR, disaster relief, civil protection and fire fighting missions have been ordered and are in service in a number of nations including Italy, UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Norway, Spain, Japan, South Korea, China, Qatar, UAE, Australia, Malaysia just to name a few. The AW139 delivered to the Autonomous Province of Trento features special and comprehensive mission equipment suitable to carry up to two patient litters and six medical attendant seats. The helicopter is provided with a rescue hoist with a 90m long cable, cargo hook and the cabin can be rapidly reconfigured to perform disaster relief operations comfortably hosting up to 12 persons on board.

Agusta Westland press release