27-Oct-2014 Source: HeliHub.com
Elilombarda have won a multiyear contract from a Russian Oil company to support an offshore installation in the Black Sea. The company will operate two AW139s from Constanta in Romania.
Unusually for an Italian operator, the aircraft concerned have both come from the US production line in Philadelphia. I-VEGB (msn 41375) and I-VEGC (msn 41379) were ferried from the AgustaWestland Philadelphia plant to Italy in middle October, and flown to Romania on October 24th.
Of the two machines, one will is configured for SAR duties, with a Breeze-Eastern hoist and additional fuel tank, while the second has seating for 12 passengers. Both helicopters have the Ice Protection System and will fly 100nm off shore on the Black Sea.
Photos Oscar G. Bernardi, used with permission
Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com