MOSCOW, September 12 (RIA Novosti) – Three more VIP-edition AW139 commercial helicopters will be assembled at a joint Russian-Italian HeliVert plant located in Russia, Russian Helicopters press service stated on Friday.

“The Russian-Italian company HeliVert, a joint holding company of Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland, and Exclases Russia signed a memorandum of understanding for the acquisition of three VIP-edition AW139 helicopters. The delivery terms for the AW139s are defined in accordance with the contract, which must be signed in the near future,” Russian Helicopters representative said.

The previous contract for the supply of five helicopters was signed in May 2013 and is being carried out in according to schedule.

The AW139 commercial helicopter can be delivered to customers in a variety of versions – the VIP edition, the 12 to 15 passenger seats version, transport, health, rescue and other versions. The AW139 has a maximum cruise speed of 306 km/h (195 mph), maximum range in excess of 927 km (586 mile), and maximum flight time of five hours. The first AW139 assembled in Russia took to the skies in December 2012.

HeliVert is a joint venture of Russian Helicopters (part of the Rostec state corporation) and AgustaWestland. The main purpose of the venture is to meet the needs of the market in Russia and the CIS countries. Exclases is the exclusive distributor of AgustaWestland helicopters in Russia.