Indian helicopter deal saves 4,000 UK AgustaWestland jobs
Source: The Times, 12 Mar, 10
The jobs of up to 4,000 UK workers were secured yesterday when AgustaWestland revealed that it had won a €560 million (£510 million) contract to supply helicopters to India.
Indian Air Force Signs €560 Million Contract For 12 AW101
Source: AgustaWestland, 11 Mar, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that a contract has been signed by the Government of India for the acquisition of twelve AW101 helicopters that will perform government transport duties. The contract, valued at around € 560 million, includes an extensive five year logistic support service and initial aircrew and technician training. Over 180 [...]
Dart Announces Indonesian Approval of Apical’s AW109E/AW109S Emergency Float Systems
11 Mar, 10
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their subsidiary partner Apical Industries has received approval of their A109E/S Emergency Float Systems in the Republic of Indonesia.
Both the Emergency Float and the Emergency Float with Liferafts Systems offer A109E/S operators increased safety for their crew, passengers and aircraft in the event of an emergency water [...]
AgustaWestland summoned to explain AW119 crash which injured Ugandan President
Source: Daily Monitor, 10 Mar, 10
HeliHub.com accident report – click here 07-Mar-10 5X-MAC AgustaWestland AW119 Bugiri, Uganda
AgustaWestland reveals 2009 results
Source: Rotorhub, 8 Mar, 10
AgustaWestland saw new orders for helicopters fall by nearly 40 % in 2009, the company’s results have revealed.
Jindal Steel & Power Takes Delivery Of An AW139
Source: AgustaWestland, 7 Mar, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Jindal Steel & Power Ltd (JSPL) of India has taken delivery of an AW139 medium twin helicopter. The aircraft configured with a 12 seat cabin will be used for corporate transport purposes in the Delhi and Chhattisgarh areas. The handover of JSPL’s AW139 further expands the [...]
Sharp Ocean Signs Contract For Two Grand New And One AW119Ke
Source: AgustaWestland, 7 Mar, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that its authorized distributor Sharp Ocean has signed a contract for two Grand New light twin helicopters and one AW119Ke single engine helicopter. The aircraft will be delivered to Indian private customers and used to perform VIP transport missions. This purchase marks the entrance of the Grand [...]
Uttar Pradesh State Government’s AW109S Grand Enters Service
Source: AgustaWestland, 4 Mar, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Uttar Pradesh State Government (India) has started operating its Grand light twin turbine engine helicopter. Configured with a six seat cabin the aircraft will be used for VIP transport purposes in the region.
The delivery of the Uttar Pradesh State Government’s Grand further expands the presence [...]
Mecaer Aviation Group Receives EASA Certification for AW139 Cabin Noise Reduction System
4 Mar, 10
S.E.I. (Servizi Elicotteristici Italiani) S.p.A., a Mecaer Aviation Group company, has received certification for its lightweight cabin noise and vibration reduction system called SILENS. The system has been EASA certified on an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter, with FAA certification expected early in 2010.
Originally developed in Italy in collaboration with AgustaWestland, the system has been proven to [...]
British Army to extend Lynx upgrade, review training system
Source: FlightGlobal, 3 Mar, 10
he British Army’s remaining Lynx AH9 utility helicopters will be modified to AgustaWestland’s improved AH9A configuration, following MoD approval to extend the effort to all 22 aircraft.
Swedish Helicopter units prepare for worldwide operations
Source: Rotorhub, 27 Feb, 10
The first Swedish AgustaWestland AW109s – locally designated Hkp15 – have been modified in Italy ready for anti-piracy operations in Africa.
Agusta A119 Koala External ITT & Torque Indicator System
Source: Aero-Dyne Repair Services, 25 Feb, 10
Aero-Dyne Repair Services Ltd. has received a Supplemental Type Certificate for the installation of an External ITT & Torque Indicating System for the Agusta A119 Koala.
The addition of this system on aircraft being utilized for long-line, hoisting and sling rescue will lower pilot workload and enhance safety by allowing the pilot to view ITT & [...]
Era Group Signs Purchase Agreement For 10 AW139s
Source: AgustaWestland, 24 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Era Group Inc. has agreed to purchase 10 AW139 medium twin helicopters. These helicopters will be used to perform offshore transport missions. Era Group boasts a large AgustaWestland fleet today including 22 AW119Ke single engine, 7 AW109 Power light twin and 17 AW139 helicopters. Primarily operating [...]
Aviation Record Breaker Scott Kasprowicz Orders an AgustaWestland Grand New Helicopter
Source: AgustaWestland, 24 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that business man and pilot Scott Kasprowicz has signed a contract for a Grand New Helicopter. Scott Kasprowicz and Steve Sheik set a new world speed record in 2008 in an AgustaWestland Grand helicopter having flown around the world in only 11 days 7 hours and 5 [...]
AgustaWestland And Grupo INAER Sign MoU For Training Services
Source: AgustaWestland, 24 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Grupo INAER of Spain for the provision of training services for its AgustaWestland light twin and medium twin models fleet.
INAER helicopter fleet boasts a large number of AgustaWestland models including more than 40 units of [...]
AgustaWestland appoints Authorized Service Centre in Greece
Source: AgustaWestland, 24 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that ICSS S.A. of Greece has been appointed an authorized Service Centre in the country for the A109 series, AW109 Power and the Grand light twin models.
The Service Centre, based at Megara Airport, will provide maintenance and repair services as well as maintaining a spare [...]
Spain’s FAASA Group Takes Delivery Of Four AW119Ke Helicopters
Source: AgustaWestland, 24 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce that FAASA Group of Spain has taken delivery of an additional four AW119Ke single engine helicopters for fire-fighting missions. The handover brings the number of AW119Kes in service with this operator to twenty units making FAASA Group one of the largest operators of this model in the [...]
Kaigai Aviotech Orders An AW109 Power
Source: AgustaWestland, 24 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Kaigai Aviotech Corporation has placed an order for an AW109 Power light twin helicopter. The helicopter is expected to be delivered by 2012. This latest order further expands the exceptional success achieved by the AW109 Power in the Japanese helicopter market, particularly for VIP/corporate transport and [...]
AgustaWestland retools tail boom for retrofit on AW139
Source: AIN, 24 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland is assuring customers with helicopters on order that it will deliver them with a newly designed boom starting in April.
AW139 Full Ice Protection System Achieves EASA Certification
Source: AgustaWestland, 22 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) for the AW139 medium twin helicopter has achieved EASA Certification. This allows the AW139 to fly into known icing conditions with unprecedented all weather capabilities no other helicopters in its category can claim. FIPS Certification, achieved following an intense series [...]
LA Fire Dept pilot retires after 8,000 hours of risky flying
Source: Daily News, 22 Feb, 10
After 35 years of fighting fires in this city, first from the ground then as a helicopter pilot for 28 of those years, Dale Gant retired Friday.
AgustaWestland positive about ‘new’ VXX
Source: Key Aero, 22 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland’s Chief Executive Officer, Giuseppe Orsi, has welcomed the issuing of the US Presidential helicopter request for information (RfI)
AgustaWestland to learn BA609 fate by end of June
22 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland says the long-delayed decision on whether Bell Helicopter will cede its majority share in the BA609 program to AgustaWestland will be made by the end of June
Bristow orders four AW139s to take fleet to seven
Source: AgustaWestland, 22 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Bristow Group Inc. has placed an order for four AW139 medium-twin helicopters to be used to perform offshore transport missions. The purchase adds to the previous one for three aircraft already delivered and further strengthens Bristow’s AW139 fleet and the relationship with AgustaWestland, reinforcing the continued [...]
AgustaWestland Unveils The Grand New
Source: AgustaWestland, 22 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is proud to unveil the Grand New, an evolution of the highly successful Grand helicopter. The Grand New features the very latest developments in avionics while retaining the outstanding Grand’s characteristics, its superior performance, levels of cabin space and payload only provided by larger and more expensive helicopters, low operating costs, [...]
Esperia Aviation Services Signs Contract For Four AgustaWestland Helicopters
Source: AgustaWestland, 22 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Esperia Aviation Services S.p.A. of Italy has signed a contract for four helicopters including two AW119Ke single engines, one Grand light twin and one AW139 medium twin. These aircraft will be used for passenger transport purposes in the country operating from its headquarters based at Rome’s [...]
Portugal’s Vinair Orders Two New AgustaWestland Grands
Source: AgustaWestland, 22 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce that Vinair Aeroserviços S.A. of Portugal has signed a contract for two Grand New light twin engine helicopters. Vinair Aeroserviços S.A. is the launching customer for the Grand New, an evolution of the highly successful Grand helicopter, and these two aircraft will be used for corporate transport [...]
Donaldson targets 2010 to Certify New Barrier Filters for AW109 Power and Grand, EC135
Source: Donaldson, 19 Feb, 10
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), continues its leadership in helicopter engine protection solutions, introducing two important new products. Donaldson Aerospace & Defense is developing Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) systems for the AgustaWestland AW109 Power and Grand as well as the Eurocopter EC135. Soon, worldwide operators of these aircraft [...]
Donaldson AW139 Inlet Barrier Filters in High Demand
Source: Donaldson, 18 Feb, 10
Demand continues to climb for Donaldson’s newly certified, high-performance engine Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) for the AgustaWestland AW139 series helicopter. Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), has designed and delivered more than 3,000 barrier filter systems internationally and now adds the AW139, the only available engine protection system of [...]
New Zealand A109LUH makes its first flight
Source: Scoop, 17 Feb, 10
The first of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s five new A109 helicopters has taken to the air in Italy.
India to get 12 VVIP AgustaWestland AW101s in four years
Source: Brahmand, 17 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland said it would be able to deliver the 12 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force within four years of signing the contract.
UK military in fresh talks with Boeing and AgustaWestland over Chinook order
Source: This is the West Country, 17 Feb, 10
MP David Laws today welcomed a commitment from Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth to look at the potential for AgustaWestland to work with Boeing on the new order for 22 Chinook helicopters.
AgustaWestland and Tata Establish Joint Venture
Source: AgustaWestland, 16 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Tata Sons have signed a Shareholders’ Agreement for the formation of an Indian joint venture company which will establish in India a final assembly line for the AW119 helicopter for the worldwide market.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi today by Mr. Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland and Mr. Ratan Tata, [...]
Bangladesh Navy Orders Pair of AgustaWestland AW109 Powers
Source: AgustaWestland, 16 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the award of a contract by the Bangladesh Navy for two AW109 Power maritime helicopters. The helicopters will be used for a wide range of naval missions including search and rescue, economic zone protection, surface surveillance and maritime security. The aircraft will be delivered in 2011 and [...]
Shenzhen Public Security Bureau Orders An AW139
Source: AgustaWestland, 10 Feb, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen has ordered one AW139 medium twin helicopter. This aircraft will be used to perform a number of roles also including law enforcement, civil protection/disaster relief, transport and control missions across the Province.
The AW139 has been selected thanks to its outstanding [...]
AgustaWestland celebrates apprentices as British Government minister visits
Source: Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, 7 Feb, 10
Referring to Friday 5th February…
Business Minister Pat McFadden is visiting AgustaWestland today to celebrate the helicopter manufacturer’s commitment to recruit apprentices.
On the final day of National Apprenticeship Week, the Minister will meet apprentices at the Yeovil based firm, which has trebled its apprenticeship intake in the past four years.
Major UK employers are expecting to hire thousands of apprentices in 2010 and the [...]
Call for South Africa to rescue $45M AgustaWestland deal
Source: Defence Web, 2 Feb, 10
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says government, state arms acquisition agency Armscor and the Denel arsenal must act to save the deal as soon as possible
AgustaWestland finally close on PZL Swidnik purchase
Source: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=pl&tl=en&u=http://lublin.gazeta.pl/lublin/1,35640,7506220,Agusta_Westland_kupuje_PZL_Swidnik__za_339_milionow.html&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhh3wxsNDKCAidarTiORttRYBGTMnw, 31 Jan, 10
Some months after the outline agreement, AgustaWestland has finally close on the purchase of PZL Swidnik on Friday 29th January.
“The Economist” sees trouble ahead for AgustaWestland’s UK operations
Source: The Economist, 30 Jan, 10
Yeovil operation too reliant on upgrades? UK military order Chinook over Merlin; UK military spending under pressure
Bulgaria buys two AW109E Powers for border patrol
Source: AgustaWestland, 29 Jan, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Ministries of Finance and Interior of Bulgaria have ordered two AW109 Power light twin helicopters to meet the latest helicopter requirement for the Bulgarian Border Police. The main mission of the helicopters, which are procured under the Schengen Facility programme funds, is to provide a [...]
Finnish Border Guard Orders An AW119Ke Helicopter
Source: AgustaWestland, 25 Jan, 10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Finnish Border Guard has ordered a fourth AW119Ke single engine helicopter. The Finnish Border Guard chose the AW119Ke in 2008 to sustain its fleet modernization and enhancement programme. All four helicopters will be used to perform various tasks including border patrol, special operations and fire [...]
Helicopter wreckage located off the coast of Almería
Source: Typically Spanish, 25 Jan, 10
HeliHub.com page for this accident can be found here
Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance take delivery of new AW109E Power
Source: ITV, 25 Jan, 10
The air ambulance service which covers Northamptonshire unveiled its brand new helicopter on Friday at Althorp House. As well as the latest medical and radio equipment, the AgustaWestland 109 is also the fastest civilian helicopter in the UK.
FAA AD 2009-19-51 (Amendment) AgustaWestland AW139
Source: FAA, 22 Jan, 10
First upgraded UK Lynx Mk.9 helicopters are back in service
Source: UK MoD, 20 Jan, 10
The first four upgraded Lynx Mk9 helicopters, which are to be sent to Afghanistan, have re-entered service, with three of the aircraft now being used for training, prior to deployment, at 9 Regiment Army Air Corps in Dishforth, North Yorkshire.
The upgrades on initially twelve Mk9s were ordered by the MOD a year ago, with upgrades [...]
AgustaWestland Selects MSC.Software to Improve Helicopter Design
Source: MSC.Software, 20 Jan, 10
MSC.Software, a leading global provider of simulation software and services, today announced that AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company and leading manufacturer in the global helicopter industry, has chosen MSC.Software CAE tools and simulation management technologies to power its “Advanced Simulation and Process management (ASaP)” project following a two-year evaluation.
The ASaP Project is a multi-year initiative to [...]
Texas Aviation Services and Sierra Aeronautica customize AW109S Grand for customer in Brazil
Source: Texas Aviation Services, 20 Jan, 10
Texas Aviation Services (TAS), a leader for over 39 years in helicopter and aircraft services, along with its in-country partner Sierra Aeronautica, announced today the delivery of VIP configured Agusta 109S Grand completion to Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The executive Agusta 109S Grand departed Texas Aviation Services in Fort Worth, TX just prior to the New Year [...]
Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance flies higher after noise complaints
Source: Derby Telegraph, 20 Jan, 10
THE air ambulance will fly higher over the area surrounding Royal Derby Hospital in a bid to appease residents who have complained about the noise it makes. The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance has been transporting patients to the hospital since its helipad opened in June.
HAI Announces Recipient of the 2010 AgustaWestland Safety Award
Source: HAI, 19 Jan, 10
HAI is pleased to announce the 2010 AgustaWestland Safety Award recipient, Terry Palmer; Manager of Rotorcraft Programs, Flight Safety International, Dallas, Texas.
Terry Palmer’s impressive aviation career began when she served on the airport board in Mesquite, Texas while obtaining her initial pilot ratings. Soon after, in 1989, she opened an FAA Part 141 Flight School, [...]
FAA Emergency AD 2010-02-51 – AgustaWestland A109A, A109C, A109K2
Source: FAA, 13 Jan, 10
VIH Cougar Helicopters Takes Delivery Of An AW139
Source: AgustaWestland, 12 Jan, 10
AgustaWestland , a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the VIH Cougar Helicopters Inc. of USA has taken delivery of an AW139 medium twin helicopter during an official ceremony recently held at Vergiate plant (Italy). This 12 seat-configured helicopter will be operated for offshore transport missions in the Gulf of Mexico. Emilio Dalmasso, Senior [...]
Copterline sell two AW139s to PHi
Source: IBA, 11 Jan, 10
IBA has completed the sale of two Agusta AW139 Helicopters on behalf of Copterline OY, a rotary wing operator based in Helsinki. The helicopters were purchased by PHI Inc. in the USA, for immediate deployment within its expanding rotary operations.
IBA was awarded the remarketing contract by Copterline OY in April 2009 against stiff competition. Mark [...]
FAA SAIB NM-10-12 – AgustaWestland AW139
Source: FAA, 7 Jan, 10
OnDemandHeli to add two AW109S Grand to current fleet at Van Nuys
30 Dec, 09
OnDemandHeli has announced that it is purchasing two new Agusta AW109S Grand in addition to its existing fleet of 3 Agusta 109E. It focuses on providing its clients with the safest, most comfortable, and VIP-style service possible.
First Four Lynx Mk9A Helicopters Delivered Just 12 Months After Contract Award
Source: AgustaWestland, 24 Dec, 09
Bulgaria Orders An AW139 To Meet Border Police Requirement
Source: AgustaWestland, 23 Dec, 09
The Ministries of Finance and Interior of Bulgaria have ordered an AW139 medium twin helicopter to meet the latest Bulgarian Border Police helicopter requirement.
Korea Coast Guard Orders Another AW139 Helicopter
Source: AgustaWestland, 23 Dec, 09
The order represents the third helicopter to be sold to the Korea Coast Guard and the sixth AW139 helicopter to be sold to the Republic of Korea
AgustaWestland Vying for Korean Attack Chopper Bids
Source: Korea Times, 22 Dec, 09
AgustaWestland is bidding for a contract to provide Korea with its T-129 attack helicopters. The T-129, being developed for the Turkish Army, is an upgraded variant of the Agusta A129 Mangusta
UK Government assures future of RNAS Culdrose
Source: Falmouth Packet, 18 Dec, 09
The announcement by the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the future plans for UK military helicopters will have a positive effect on operations at RNAS Culdrose.
QinetiQ fits satellite comms system to Merlin Mk3 fleet
Source: QinetiQ, 18 Dec, 09
QinetiQ has successfully completed the integration of a beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) satellite communications system into each of the RAF’s fleet of 22 Mk3 Merlin’s in preparation for their possible deployment to Afghanistan.
Bristow Group Takes Delivery Of Two AW139s
Source: AgustaWestland, 17 Dec, 09
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Bristow Group Inc. has taken delivery of two AW139 medium twin-engine helicopters during an official ceremony held at its Philadelphia facility. These aircraft will be used to perform offshore transport missions, reinforcing the continued success of the AW139 in the oil & gas industry
Dart Helicopter Services Announces FAA Approval of Apical’s High Density Liferaft Kit for AW139
Source: Dart Helicopter Services, 17 Dec, 09
DART Helicopter Services announces that their subsidiary partner Apical Industries, Inc. has received FAA approval for their AB139 & AW139 High Density Liferaft Kit. Transport Canada and EASA approvals are still pending.
UK Coastguard base at Portland clocks up 3,000th mission
Source: MCA, 14 Dec, 09
A Coastguard SAR helicopter base has been in existence at Portland since 1995 – the helicopter that is currently being operated at this base is an AW139 provided by CHC Scotia.
More than $100M committed to defunct presidential helicopter
Source: The Hill, 14 Dec, 09
Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.), in whose district Lockheed Martin assembles the VH-71, said that he secured more than $100 million in the negotiated 2010 Pentagon spending bill to continue some work on the program. The funds would technically allow the work force in Owego, N.Y., to continue outfitting the helicopters with mission systems.
Texas Aviation Services and Sierra Aeronautica Deliver Agusta Grand to Brazil
Source: Vertical, 11 Dec, 09
Texas Aviation Services, a leader for 38 years in helicopter and aircraft services, along with its in-country partner Sierra Aeronautica, announced today the delivery of a corporate Agusta 109S Grand to Sao Paulo.
Indian Air Force announce short list for Cheetah replacement program
Source: Press Info Bureau, 8 Dec, 09
The Request for Proposal for replacing the Cheetah helicopters was issued in July 2008 to six vendors. Further action as per the existing procedures including Defence Procurement Procedure, 2008 is underway.
AFS Certifies High Performance Engine Inlet Filter for AW139
Source: Donaldson, 7 Dec, 09
Aerospace Filtration Systems has received a Supplemental Type Certificate from the FAA for an Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system for the AgustaWestland AW139.
Maritime Safety Administration Of China Takes Delivery Of Two Grand Helicopters
Source: AgustaWestland, 7 Dec, 09
The MSA is responsible for monitoring all inland and coastal waters and these two helicopters will be dedicated to controlling and fighting water pollution.
RAF Merlins operating in Afghanistan one month ahead of schedule
Source: RAF, 3 Dec, 09
Having arrived in Afghanistan two weeks ago, the initial RAF Merlin Force has now passed the extensive pre-flight checks enabling them to take to the Afghan skies one month ahead of schedule.
Qatar Armed Forces Take Delivery Of Their First AW139
Source: AgustaWestland, 30 Nov, 09
The Qatar Armed Forces has taken delivery of its first AW139 medium twin helicopter during an official ceremony held at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant in Italy.