At the Airex Istanbul 2012 exhibition Kaan Air signed a preliminary sales contract for two AW169 intermediate twin-engine helicopters and a contract for one AW139 medium twin engine helicopter plus further options for both types. The contract marks the entry of the AW169 helicopter into the Turkish helicopter market and the continued success of the AW139 in the Turkish VIP/corporate transport market. Emilio Dalmasso, Senior VP Commercial Business, AgustaWestland, said at the signing ceremony “The contract signed today confirms that there are good market prospects for the AW169 in Turkey where the helicopter market is growing and AgustaWestland is the market leader with more than 60% share of the turbine market in recent years.” He added “The contract for another AW139 demonstrates the continued success of this model in the VIP/corporate market. There are now three AW139s operating successfully in Turkey where the aircraft’s high performance, cabin size and modern safety features are recognised as key advantages over the competition. A fourth AW139 will be delivered to a corporate customer in late 2012.” Ferda Yildiz, Chairman of the Board, Kaan Air, said “We are very proud to buy helicopters that are best suited to the demanding Turkish operating environment. AgustaWestland helicopters are the most powerful and fastest in their class, which makes them the preferred aircraft in Turkey.”

Kaan Air, which was founded in 2000 within the structure of Ba?ar? Holding, is AgustaWestland’s authorised distributorship for civil helicopters in Turkey. A fleet of over 20 AgustaWestland helicopters including the AW119Ke, AW109 Power, Grand New and AW139, are now operating in Turkey performing a wide range of roles including VIP and corporate transport, air ambulance, utility, aerial tours and filming. Kaan Air headquarters are in Istanbul where it has its own dedicated heliport and maintenance complex to support its growing number of customers. More than 60 AW169 helicopters have now been ordered for a wide range of missions including, air ambulance, law enforcement, corporate transport, utility and offshore transport. The first AW169 performed its maiden flight on 10th May 2012 on schedule and civil certification is expected in 2014 with deliveries commencing in 2015.
The AW169 cabin can accommodate up to 10 passengers or up to seven passengers in VIP configuration. The AW169 can be equipped with a cabin noise and vibration reduction system as well as a range of advanced in-flight entertainment and cabin lighting systems. When combined with the finest hand crafted materials the AW169 cabin will offer outstanding levels of comfort for passengers. The AW169 is powered by two 1000 shp class PW210A turboshaft engines enabling the aircraft to cruise at more than 140 knots and provide vertical Cat.A/Class 1 capability as maximum all up weight, even in hot conditions. The AW169 is being certified in accordance with EASA CS-29 / FAR Part 29 latest Amendments and will be the only helicopter in its class to meet the very latest safety standards.

The AW139 is the new benchmark for executive helicopters. Designed to meet the rigorous standards of those who demand the best, the AW139 surpasses all other medium twin-engine helicopters in capability, speed, ride quality and passenger cabin space. Its sleek design, state-of-the-art avionics, luxurious accommodation and low noise signature sets new standards in the market.  The AW139 delivers best-in-class performance with a cruise speed of 165 knots (306 kph), a range in excess of 500 nm (927 km), endurance of 5 hours and superior hover performance. With its power reserve, the AW139 assures Category “A” (Class 1) superior performance from a helipad (elevated or at ground level) at maximum take-off weight. With the largest passenger cabin in its class the AW139 can accommodate its passengers in a spacious, comfortable and quiet environment. The unobstructed cabin design allows maximum flexibility for seating configurations whilst providing its passengers with excellent visibility through the six large cabin windows. Ample room is available for accessories such as telecommunications, work areas, refreshments and stowage space. The baggage compartment, provides a massive 3.4 cubic metres (120 cubic feet) of storage which is easily accessible from both inside the passenger compartment and outside the helicopter. 500 aircraft are now in service performing many roles including EMS/SAR, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement and military transport. Almost 170 customers from more than 50 countries have ordered more than 640 AW139 helicopters so far.

Source and photo: AgustaWestland