20-Apr-2010 Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has taken delivery of two AW139 medium twin helicopters. The aircraft were accepted by the customer at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate facility in Italy at the end of March and are now being used for training before being shipped to Malaysia later this month.
Giacomo Saponaro, Senior Vice President International Government Business Unit, AgustaWestland said “We are very pleased that the AW139 will soon be entering service with the Bomba, serving and protecting the people of Malaysia. Having successfully operated AW109 Power helicopters since 2004 we are delighted the Bomba selected the AW139, confirming the quality of our products and support services.â€
Soon after arrival in Malaysia the aircraft will enter service with the Bomba and will be used to perform fire fighting, search and rescue, land reconnaissance and general support duties. The contract signed in January 2009 also included conversion training for aircrew and maintenance staff.
The AW139s will supplement the two AgustaWestland AW109 Power helicopters that have been successfully operating with the Bomba since 2004. This delivery marks further success for the AW139 in the fire fighting market with aircraft already in service with the Los Angeles Fire Department in the USA and the Gangwon Fire Department of Korea.
The AW139, a new generation medium twin-turbine helicopter that has set new standards in the market, offers unmatched performance and safety levels and has the largest cabin in its class. State-of-the-art mission equipment and outstanding performance features enable the AW139 to accomplish the most demanding operations in the harshest weather and environmental conditions. Thanks to its powerful engines, each rated at 1252 kW (1679 shp) for take-off, the AW139 is perfectly suited to carry out demanding missions in the hot and high climatic conditions experienced in Malaysia.
The order book for the AW139 has now reached nearly 460 aircraft with orders from over 120 customers located in almost 50 countries to perform a large number of roles including SAR, air ambulance, fire fighting, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, scheduled passenger transport and military missions.
AgustaWestland Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of AgustaWestland, continues to play a major role in the Malaysian helicopter market expanding its presence and increasing its capabilities through a continued programme of investment. Located at Kuala Lumpur’s Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport AgustaWestland Malaysia’s regional maintenance and support centre is a Malaysian DCA approved maintenance and repair organization. AgustaWestland Malaysia Sdn Bhd is providing local support and training for the growing fleet of AgustaWestland customers in the region.