AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Exclases Holdings Ltd. has signed a contract for two AW169, two AW139 and two AW189 helicopters. This purchase marks the entrance of the new generation AW169 and AW189 models into the Russian market and further expands the presence of AgustaWestland in Russia. Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business Unit, AgustaWestland said “Signing this latest contract is a further important confirmation in Russia of the continued success achieved by the largest, most modern and ever evolving range of commercial helicopters offered by AgustaWestland. The latest additions to our product portfolio will ensure unprecedented levels of technology, capability and cost/effectiveness to Russian customers.“

Russian operators will benefit from the commonality in design across the AW139, AW169 and AW189 family of new generations helicopters. As well as possessing the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features the helicopters share a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concepts that will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets from 4 to 8.5 tonnes. 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 a wide range of demanding civil requirements. The AW139 was selected after an extensive and in-depth analysis and it was recognized as the most suitable and reliable helicopter for the Russian environment and operational needs. A total of 12 AW139s were sold in Russia in 2011 to perform corporate transport operations and this latest contract brings the total to 20 in Russia and to 28 in the whole CIS area. The first two aircraft have already been delivered and further deliveries are expected to start in March this year. Almost 590 AW139 helicopters have been ordered so far by nearly 160 customers in over 50 countries to perform various roles including VIP transport, corporate and passenger transport, offshore transport, EMS/SAR, law enforcement, utility and several other roles. A civil AW139 assembly line is being set up in Russian in Tomilino, near Moscow. Established and run by Helivert, a JSC “Russian Helicopters” and AgustaWestland Joint Venture, the assembly line will have the capacity to assemble up to 20 helicopters per year, with production expected to start in the near term and progressively increase to a steady state regime by 2015. The plant will meet the growing demand for the AW139 helicopter in both Russian and CIS civil markets.

A versatile, new generation twin engine light intermediate category helicopter, the AW169 has been designed in response to the growing market demand for an aircraft that delivers high performance, meets all the latest safety standards and has multi-role capabilities. The 4.5 tonne AW169 incorporates several new technology features to provide the highest levels of safety and operational benefits for its customers. New generation technologies are incorporated in the rotor system, engines, avionics, transmission and electric power generation and distribution systems. The AW169 is set to be the most advanced and cost/effective helicopter in its class for EMS/SAR, law enforcement, passenger and offshore transport and utility missions. 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. The first prototype performed its maiden flight in December 2011. Entering service in early 2014, the twin engine AW189 helicopter is optimised for the long range offshore transport and SAR missions. The spacious cabin is configured with 16 seats as standard with the option for a high density 18 seat layout or an ultra long range 12 seat configuration.

Agusta Westland press release