The contract marks the entrance of AgustaWestland into the Vietnam’s helicopter market

• Selected following rigorous assessment process of competing types
• Operational readiness to be achieved between end of 2015 and 2016
• Latest order expands the success of the AW189 in South East Asia

Finmeccanica – AgustaWestland announced today that Vietnam Helicopter Corporation (Vietnam Helicopters/VNH) has signed a contract for two AW189 super medium twin engine helicopters. These aircraft will perform medium/long range offshore transport operations. The first helicopter will be operated by VNH South by the end of 2015 while the second AW189 will be used by VNH North starting in 2016. The contract also includes a comprehensive package of support and training services. The new generation AW189 was selected by VNH following a rigorous assessment process of competing types started in 2013 and including test flight evaluations, with the AW189 proving the best solution to meet the demanding requirements of the customer in terms of mission capabilities, performance and safety. This contract marks the entrance of AgustaWestland into the Vietnamese helicopter market and further expands the success of the AW189 in South East Asia for offshore transport duties.

The AW189 was designed in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, multirole medium twin engine helicopter. The new 8.3 tonne AW189 is optimized for long range offshore transport and SAR missions and has already received orders for over 130 helicopters, including options and framework contracts, making it the outright market leader in its class. The spacious cabin is configured with 16 seats as standard with the option for a high density 19-seat layout or a long range 12-seat configuration. The cockpit design, incorporating the latest in advanced situational awareness technologies, reduces crew workload and enhances safety. The AW189 meets the very latest international regulatory safety requirements (EASA / FAA Part 29, JAR OPS 3 / EU-OPS). The AW189 is unique in having a 50 minute ‘run-dry’ capable main gear box, exceeding current certification standards and offering unmatched safety and reliability for long range offshore operations. A wide spectrum of advanced support and training solutions, also including latest generation HUMS (Health Usage and Monitoring System) and Level D Full Flight Simulator, is available to the AW189 operators to maximize operational effectiveness and safety.

Agusta Westland press release