Expanding the presence of the AW139 in Northern Europe

• The helicopters will perform schedule services and EMS/SAR within Faroe Islands
• Deliveries expected in late 2015 and spring 2016, replacing two ageing B412s

Fimeccanica-AgustaWestland announced today that Atlantic Airways has signed a contract for two AW139 intermediate twin helicopters. The aircraft will be used to perform SAR (Search and Rescue) missions and scheduled passenger transportation within the Faroe Islands. The helicopters are expected to be delivered late 2015 and in spring 2016 respectively, and will replace two B412s.

This latest contract marks the entrance of AgustaWestland helicopters into the Faroe Islands and further strengthens the already significant presence of the AW139 in Northern Europe, where it is used by a number of government and private customers in many countries to carry out a range of missions including passenger transport, search and rescue, emergency medical service, offshore transport, law enforcement and military duties.

“This is a significant improvement of our helicopter service as the old helicopters are downgraded as new and stricter regulations are introduced in the field,” Jørgen Holme, Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Airways, said. “With AW139 helicopters we are acquiring a modern fleet ready for the future, and which meets all relevant standards.”

The only new generation helicopter in its weight class, the AW139 sets new standards of performance in its category with a maximum cruise speed of 165 knots (306 km/h) and a maximum range in excess of 570 nm (1060 km) with auxiliary fuel. The aircraft has outstanding one engine inoperative capabilities, even in hot and high environmental conditions. The AW139, together with the next generation AW169 and AW189 models, is part of the AgustaWestland Family of new generation helicopters which possess the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features, as well as sharing a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concept. This commonality will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets across the 4 to 8.5 tonne categories.

The AW139 benefits from a range of modern, constantly enhanced and tailored support and training capabilities, designed to deliver outstanding mission effectiveness and safety standards whatever the mission, leveraging on the expanding network of AgustaWestland service and training centres worldwide. With orders for almost 900 aircraft in more than 70 countries from more than 220 customers and over 730 aircraft already in service, the AW139 is the best-selling intermediate twin engine helicopter in the world.

Atlantic Airways, the national airline of the Faroe Islands, was founded in 1987 and began operating scheduled flights in March 1988. The 2015 schedule includes destinations in Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Spain, as well as the UK, all served with a fleet of three A319 aircraft. In addition two helicopters are operated on local services within the 18 Faroe Islands and provide as well search and rescue missions.

For further information please visit www.atlantic.fo

Press release and picture: AgustaWestland