Sino-US signs for 25 AW119Kx helicopters
The contracts valued at approximately €80 million highlight Finmeccanica’s strong presence and growth in the Asian Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and public utility helicopter markets.
Specifically in China a contract for 25 AgustaWestland AW119Kx single engine helicopters (right) has been signed with Sino-US. Deliveries are expected to start by June 2016. This contract includes a comprehensive support and training services package and is part of a framework agreement for 60 AW119Kx aircraft to be acquired through 2017.
The helicopters will be operated by Kingwing General Aviation Co. Ltd (Kingwing) and will be used in China for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) missions.
In Japan the company Shizuoka Air Commuter Corporation has ordered a GrandNew helicopter in air ambulance configuration for use in the Niigata Prefecture, as part of the national helicopter air ambulance programme across all Japanese prefectures. The helicopter will enter service in the autumn of 2016.
On the first day of Heli-Expo 2016, the Helicopter Division of Finmeccanica presented an evolution of the light single-engine SW-4 commercial helicopter, now designated the AW009. The new model provides improved levels of comfort, reduced maintenance and operating costs as well as an all new integrated avionics suite, and in the future, the option of a more powerful engine. The AW009 can be equipped for training, law enforcement, emergency medical and passenger transport missions. Finmeccanica Helicopter Division has received an initial Letter of Interest from the Riverside Police Department of California. Finmeccanica Helicopter Division has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AAL USA of Huntsville, Alabama, to facilitate avionics integration and FAA certification, expected by year end.