Leonardo has secured a double win for its helicopter division, netting contracts for a combined 36 units of its AgustaWestland AW139 and AW169 intermediate and medium twins from customers in China and Italy.
The Chinese deal is the most significant of the two, with Shanghai-based Sino-US Intercontinental Helicopter Investment signing for a total of 30 AW139 and AW169s.
However, the manufacturer has not detailed the breakdown of the order, the contract value, or a delivery schedule.
The helicopters will be configured for emergency medical services missions and will be operated by Kingwing General Aviation.
Leonardo
Sino-US is already a major customer of AgustaWestland types and placed an order earlier this year for 25 AW119Kx light singles.
Meanwhile, Italy’s customs and border protection service – the Guardia di Finanza – has ordered six AW139s, with six options, adding to the two of the type it already has in service.
Leonardo values the contract at around €90 million ($96 million); deliveries will run from mid-2017 until 2019.
To be used for maritime surveillance and patrol, maritime and mountain reconnaissance, law enforcement and homeland security roles, they will replace the Guardia di Finanza’s 22-strong fleet of Agusta-Bell AB412s.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
