SAS signs for more AW169s
Leonardo has signed a Framework Agreement with Specialist Aviation Services (SAS) of the UK for six additional AgustaWestland AW169s at this week's Helitech International event at the Amsterdam RAI (11-13 October 2016).
The aircraft, expected to be delivered between 2017 and 2019, will be used to expand the SAS emergency medical service (EMS) operations across the nation and to enter the rapidly growing offshore windfarm support market. This latest agreement brings the total number of AW169s for the UK market to almost 20.
Also, Lease Corporation International (LCI), based in Ireland, signed a further contract for three additional AgustaWestland AW169s at Helitech, in Amsterdam. This is the second repeat order LCI has signed for the AW169. These particular aircraft are expected to be delivered in mid-2017. In 2016 LCI has already taken delivery of five AW169s which have gone on lease to their customers in the EMS, offshore and utility markets. In 2016 a total of 15 new AW139/AW169/AW189 helicopters have been, or will be, delivered to LCI.
The AgustaWestland AW169 helicopter secured further orders for aircraft from existing operators and a new customer, in the Republic of Korea. Helikorea has ordered two aircraft for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) missions in the Republic of Korea, where Leonardo has experienced significant success in recent years. Approximately 50 helicopters of various types are now in service or on order for military, parapublic and commercial roles ranging from naval applications, search and rescue, law enforcement, firefighting and VIP/corporate transportation. The contract, which also includes an option for one additional aircraft, foresees deliveries by the end of 2016.
On Monday, Leonardo-Finmeccanica also announced that five firm orders have been signed for AgustaWestland AW169 helicopters by different Brazilian corporate and private customers. The announcement comes following an official presentation of the new generation model to nearly 100 pilots from across Brazil and held at the end of August, introducing capabilities, avionics and interior options available to AW169 VIP.