Indian Defence Review

AW 139 Westar

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has announced new orders, valued about EUR 110 million, at LIMA exhibition (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace), that is taking place in Langkawi, Malysia. The contracts include the supply of eleven helicopters to commercial and military clients in South-East Asia.

Specifically, the helicopter company of Finmeccanica has signed a contract with the Malaysian company Weststar Aviation Services for the supply of six AW139 and two AW189 plus options. This latest contract brings the total number of AgustaWestland helicopters ordered by Weststar Aviation Services since 2010 to 30. Weststar Aviation Services will be the first operator worldwide to benefit from the commonality in design across the AW139, AW169 and AW189 Family of new generation helicopters. These models all possess the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features, share a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concepts.

In addition to this order, AgustaWestland has signed a contract with the Philippine Navy for three AW109 Power maritime helicopters plus two options, initial logistics support and training for aircrew and maintenance personnel. The helicopters will be used for a wide range of naval missions including economic zone protection, surface surveillance, SAR and maritime security. The aircraft will be delivered in 2014 and will operate from both shore and ship bases.