Pakistan signs contract to acquire AW139 helicopters
The AW139 by AgustaWestland will be used to perform search and rescue across the nation.
ROME (Web Desk) - Leonardo-Finmeccanica has announced that the Government of Pakistan has signed a contract for an undisclosed number of AgustaWestland AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters.
The AW139 by AgustaWestland is an intermediate twin-engine helicopter with a maximum speed of 193 miles per hour, a range of more than 771 miles and a flight endurance of nearly six hours.
The contract signing was held in Islamabad in presence of the Italian Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo.
The contract is part of a fleet renewal programme spread over several batches including a logistic support and training package. The AW139s, deliveries of which are expected in 2017, will be used to perform search and rescue across the nation.
“This contract marks a significant achievement for Leonardo-Finmeccanica in Pakistan, further expanding the already successful presence of the AW139 helicopter in-country. A total of 11 AW139s are already in service in Pakistan, with 5 aircraft operated for Government relief and transportation duties,” Leonardo-Finmeccanica stated in a press release.
Pakistan is one of several nations who have chosen or are already operating the AW139 for a range of government roles including Italy, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Thailand to name a few.
"The new generation AW139 sets new standards in the market with advanced technology and class leading performance, reliability, safety, versatility and cabin space. The aircraft has outstanding one engine inoperative capabilities, even in hot and high operating conditions, making it ideally suited to operate in harsh high temperature and high altitude environments. The advanced integrated cockpit minimises pilot workload, allowing the crew to concentrate on mission objectives."
Almost 240 customers from over 70 countries have ordered over 950 AW139 helicopters making it the best-selling helicopter in its class.
The AW139 can perform a wide range of roles including government missions, EMS, SAR, executive/private and government transport, law enforcement, utility and offshore transport.
