REACH A109A Passes 10,000 Hour Milestone
Source: AgustaWestland, 05-Mar-13
During a ceremony at Heli-Expo today AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, recognized REACH Air Medical Services for passing the 10,000 flight hour milestone with one of its Agusta A109A helicopters. The 10,000 flight hour milestone was recently passed by aircraft N21RX during a flight training mission with pilots Tim Karwal, Jason Dykstra and Director of Operations [...]
Two corporate operators sign for AW139s
Source: AgustaWestland, 05-Mar-13
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce two corporate operators, located in the Eastern United States, have signed contracts for AW139 twin engine helicopters. AgustaWestland Philadelphia will build and deliver the two helicopters in 2013 and they will be used for corporate transportation. Bob Brant, AgustaWestland Philadelphia’s VP Sales & Marketing, added “We are [...]
AgustaWestland demonstrates 50 minute gearbox “Run Dry” capability to EASA
Source: AgustaWestland, 05-Mar-13
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has successfully demonstrated to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) a 50-minute loss of oil or “run dry” capability for the AW189 main gearbox. The AW189 will be the first helicopter ever to enter service with such a capability, which is 20-minutes more than any other currently certified helicopter. In what [...]
AgustaWestland unveils “Project Zero” Tilt Rotor Technology Demonstrator
Source: AgustaWestland, 05-Mar-13
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, today unveiled its “Project Zero” tilt rotor technology demonstrator, giving an insight into what advanced rotorcraft of the future may look like. This, however, is no paper study. The technology demonstrator was designed and built in less than 6 months and has already secretly flown several times in 2011 and 2012, [...]
AgustaWestland At Heli-Expo 2013
Source: AgustaWestland, 02-Mar-13
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, will be displaying four of its advanced high performance helicopters on stand #2115 at Heli Expo 2013, which is being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 5th to 7th March. AgustaWestland will also be highlighting its Family of new generation helicopters and its customer support and training services. “With the AW189 [...]
AW169 VIP sale in Australia
Source: AgustaWestland, 01-Mar-13
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the sale of a further VIP-transport configured AW169 light intermediate helicopter in Australia. The contract was signed with an undisclosed customer during the opening day at the Avalon Airshow on February 26th. This order brings to four the number of popular Australian businessmen selecting the new generation [...]
Helidecks releases cockpit guide/checklist iPad apps for AW109 and R44
Source: Helidecks Software Solutions, 28-Feb-13
Helidecks Software Solutions has released a series of cockpit guide and checklist apps for the AW109 and R44 helicopters. A professional-grade pilots checklist, the app is designed to provide pilots and instructors with an easy-to-follow challenge and response style set of checklists. The app is available to purchase through the Apple iTunes store. for use [...]
Maryland State Police – first pair of AW139s arrive
Source: Frederick News Post, 28-Feb-13
Years after a multimillion-dollar contract to replace the state’s fleet of aged medevac helicopters caused controversy in Annapolis, two newly purchased aircraft arrived Tuesday at the aviation command of the Maryland State Police (see full story)
STS Component Solutions expands into rotorcraft market
Source: STS Component, 28-Feb-13
STS Component Solutions is pleased to announce the expansion of their service and support offerings into the helicopter and business jet markets. This growth is a result of the development of some new OEM partnerships that have been established with the Donaldson Company, Skurka Aerospace and Esterline Mason in addition to increasing our current portfolio [...]
Global Financial Markets Forum contracts two AW139s
Source: HeliHub.com, 28-Feb-13
Abu Dhabi Aviation is providing two AW139 aircraft for the Fifth Global Financial Markets Forum, which is being held in Abu Dhabi on February 27-28. Nadder Ahmad Al Hammadi, ADA’s Chairman, is quoted as saying that the aircraft are available for ferry flights and tours for those who wish among the forum participants. “The flights [...]
Ornge Submits First Quality Improvement Plan
Source: Ornge, 27-Feb-13
Ontario patients requiring air ambulance services and critical care transport will receive better care thanks to Ornge’s first Quality Improvement Plan. The Quality Improvement Plan, submitted to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care today, is a requirement under Ornge’s amended Performance Agreement and is a key step to ensuring public confidence in its air [...]
AW189 beats EC175 in UK SAR contest
Source: FlightGlobal, 22-Feb-13
FlightGlobal are quoting Eurocopter’s EC175 marketing manager admitting that both remaining bidders in the UK SAR contest have the UK-built AW189 in their tenders. (see full story)
AMS Introduces the Penalty Calculator for AW139 Operators
Source: Aircraft Maintenance Systems, 22-Feb-13
Aircraft Maintenance Systems (AMS), a growing software company that supports aircraft operators, component repair shops, MROs and manufacturers in their maintenance planning and procedures, has today introduced its Penalty Calculator Software Tool. Richard Larue, President of AMS states, “It is a great, time efficient tool specifically for our AgustaWestland 139 operators. The Penalty Calculator provides [...]
Community campaign aims to save Illawarra EMS AW139
Source: Illawarra Mercury, 22-Feb-13
Shellharbour MP Anna Watson wants community support to save the Illawarra’s emergency helicopter service. Wollongong Rotary president Leigh Robinson has created a Facebook group, ‘‘Save the Illawarra Helicopter Service,’’ to help spread the word. (see full story)
Bond to base AW139 at Aberdeen for new North Sea contract
Source: Bond Offshore Helicopters, 21-Feb-13
Bond Offshore Helicopters Ltd, one of the UK’s leading providers of energy support services, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a new contract with BW Offshore. This new contract, worth in the region of £16 million, is to provide crew change support for the BW Offshore (UK) Limited Floating Production Storage and [...]
Buglaria’s Heli Air acquires A109K2 from Switzerland
Source: HeliHub.com, 20-Feb-13
Heli Air made a brief announcement on their website “In the beginning of 2013 arrived our new helicopter Agusta A109K2 with registration mark LZ CEA at Sofia Airport. The helicopter is designed for transport of passengers, Search and Rescue flights, Emergency Medical Service flights, Firefighting, Aerial Construction, as well as Aerial inspection and Surveillance. The [...]
Ducommun receives multiple AW139 wiring contracts
Source: Ducommun, 20-Feb-13
Ducommun Incorporated (NYSE: DCO) has received a series of contracts from AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation to produce specialized, complex wiring harnesses for the new AW139 multi-mission helicopter. Ducommun LaBarge Technologies will produce the wiring harnesses through December 2014 at the Company’s Joplin, Mo., facility. “We are excited that AgustaWestland has selected Ducommun for this new opportunity,” [...]
India’s AW101s – AgustaWestland has 7 days to respond
Source: HeliHub.com, 18-Feb-13
The Indian military have commenced legal proceedings which they hope will lead to the cancellation of their order for twelve VVIP AW101 helicopters. Through the formality of issuing a “show cause notice”, AgustaWestland now have to respond to the court within seven days on specific points to determine whether the contract remains valid or not. [...]
India’s AW101s – Focus on the middlemen
18-Feb-13
“Haschke [the middleman] sold AgustaWestland a story based on my relationship with (cousin) SP Tyagi. We have strained ties. He (Haschke) used my name to siphon off money. The CBI probe will bring out the truth. I welcome the CBI probe,” said the former Indian Air Force chief. (see full story) A new angle has [...]
AgustaWestland JV Indian Rotorcraft distances itself from AW101 story
Source: Tata, 18-Feb-13
Indian Rotorcraft (IRL), the proposed joint venture with AgustaWestland is for assembling AW119Ke helicopters. The assembly activity is slated to start in April 2014. The facility is being established in Hyderabad for assembling only AW119Ke helicopters. IRL will export the assembled helicopters to AgustaWestland for it to sell to its customers. IRL business remit does [...]
AgustaWestland parent swiftly replaces arrested Orsi
Source: HeliHub.com, 14-Feb-13
Only 24 hours after Finmeccanica confirmed (see AgustaWestland – Orsi and Spagnolini arrested) that both the present and immediately past CEO of AgustaWestland had been arrested on alleged fraud charges, the parent company issued the following statement “The Board of Directors of Finmeccanica, which met today, confirms that the Company is fully operational, and has [...]
India to scrap AW101 order if any wrongdoing found
Source: DD India, 14-Feb-13
A day after ordering the CBI probe, Defence Minister A K Antony told reporters that strong action will be taken against those found guilty. “Nobody will be spared whatever may be the consequences,” he told reporters on the alleged Italian chopper scam. (see full story) So far three of the twelve VVIP AW101s ordered have [...]
India AW101 – Alleged middleman met Air Force chief 6 or 7 times
14-Feb-13
The middleman, Guido Haschke, has also said that he received 20 million euros as commission and of this, 12 million euros were passed on to S P Tyagi’s Delhi-based businessmen cousins Julie Tyagi, Docsa Tyagi and Sandeep Tyagi. (see full story)
AgustaWestland – Orsi and Spagnolini arrested
Source: HeliHub.com, 12-Feb-13
Finmeccanica have issued a short statement confirming that Italian Police have arrested former AgustaWestland CEO Guiseppi Orsi, and his successor (and current CEO) Bruno Spagnolini. Orsi is now Chairman and CEO of parent company Finmeccanica. “With reference to the precautionary measures issued today towards the Chairman and CEO of Finmeccanica and the CEO of the [...]
Castle Air sells AW Grand to Nigeria
Source: HeliHub.com, 08-Feb-13
UK’s Castle Air has recently sold an AW109S Grand to Nigeria – and delivered it by air. Coverage on the company’s Facebook page indicates that the route followed the West Africa coast via Mauretania, Ivory Coast and Ghana before arriving at Lagos in Nigeria. The purchaser is Azikel Dredging, who started in the business supplying [...]
AgustaWestland at Aero India 2013
Source: AgustaWestland, 07-Feb-13
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce it will be showcasing its range of modern high performance military and commercial helicopters at Aero India 2013, which is being held at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru, from 6th to 10th February. Helicopters being promoted at Aero India include the AW101, twelve of which are now [...]
New CEO appointed at AgustaWestland Philadelphia
Source: AgustaWestland, 07-Feb-13
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that William Hunt has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation. He will oversee the company’s business operations from its headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation is a division of AgustaWestland. The Philadelphia plant houses a state-of-the-art production facility for the [...]
AgustaWestland expects UK civil production to take off
07-Feb-13
AgustaWestland, the world’s second- largest helicopter maker, will start civil rotorcraft production in Britain if the company prevails in a competition to supply search-and-rescue choppers in the country, its chairman said (see full story)
AgustaWestland selects Thales dipping sonars
Source: Thales, 07-Feb-13
Agusta Westland has selected Thales as the supplier of compact dipping sonars to equip its Lynx light helicopters for export markets. The latest in Thales’s FLASH range, the FLASH Compact is designed for smaller and lighter helicopters than those already using the FLASH sonar. The FLASH Compact sonar features an optimised, lightweight architecture as well as a [...]
Turkey denies Azerbaijan order for sixty A129 Mangustas
Source: APA, 06-Feb-13
Turkish Aerospace Industries have denied reports that Azerbaijan have placed an order for sixty A129 Mangusta attack helicopters (see full story)
Euravia expands MRO capabilities to include P&WC PT6C
Source: Euravia, 05-Feb-13
Euravia has introduced yet another enhancement to its already extensive Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 MRO service capabilities, with the addition of the PT6C series engine. We are pleased to announce that Euravia has received both EASA and FAA approval for the full overhaul of PT6C engines to further complement its existing and internationally renowned [...]
UK – TAAS’s fundraising and spending criticised
Source: BBC, 05-Feb-13
The Coventry-based charity became The Air Ambulance Service after launching a national children’s service but is yet to transport any youngsters. A leaked NHS report suggests a whole network of air ambulances would be needed to provide such a national air transfer service for children (see full story)
ExecuJet Africa showcasing helicopter charter at Mining Indaba 2013
Source: ExecuJet Africa, 04-Feb-13
ExecuJet Africa, the continent’s leading business aviation company, is once again exhibiting at the Mining Indaba 2013 event from 4-7 February in Cape Town. The company will be showcasing its full suite of business aviation services, including helicopter charter solutions. ExecuJet Africa will be at stand 1919 highlighting its services of helicopter management, rotary wing [...]
UK – Rotormotion adds AW109E to fleet
Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Feb-13
Following the very sad fatal accident last month, Rotormotion have acquired another helicopter – effectively replacing G-CRST which crashed to the ground in London killing experienced pilot Pete Barnes and one person on the ground after coming into contact with a crane in low visibility. Both helicopters were owned by Cornwall-based Castle Air and leased [...]
Fourth AW169 – First flight
Source: AgustaWestland, 03-Feb-13
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the fourth prototype of the new generation 4.5 tonne class light intermediate AW169 helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant in Italy yesterday. During its flight, the aircraft performed as expected with an assessment of the helicopter’s general handling and basic systems being made. The [...]
Ornge commits to ensuring EMS service in Thunder Bay
Source: Ornge, 01-Feb-13
Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and related services, is reaffirming its commitment to patients in Northern Ontario by taking steps to increase staffing levels at its Thunder Bay base. “We are pleased to announce this enhancement of what is a vital service in the northwest, given the vast geography and long distances between medical [...]
Russian military plans to buy seven VIP AW139s
Source: HeliHub.com, 31-Jan-13
Local press agency RIA Novosti in Moscow is reporting that the Russian Defence Military has announced plans to buy seven AW139 helicopters for VIP transport. The aircraft will be built by HeliVert, the joint venture between Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland – who in turn recently announced the first flight of a locally-completed AW139. The joint [...]
First Navy Wildcat makes maiden flight
Source: UK MoD, 29-Jan-13
The Wildcat has a more powerful engine, allowing it to be flown in extreme conditions all year round. It is also equipped with a more robust fuselage, a high-tech interactive display and a new radar system that provides 360-degree surveillance. The Wildcat HMA Mark 2 will carry Sting Ray torpedoes, a door-mounted, 0.5-inch heavy machine [...]
Ornge introduces new interim interior for AW139s
Source: Ornge, 25-Jan-13
Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and related services, is improving patient safety with a new interim interior for its fleet of AW139 helicopters that will allow paramedics to perform CPR at any time during flight. “We transport the most critically injured or ill patients, which means our paramedics must have an effective working environment,” [...]
AAIB issue Special Bulletin on London AW109E helicopter/crane accident
Source: AAIB, 23-Jan-13
Report name: S1/2013 – Agusta A109E, G-CRST Registration: G-CRST Type: Agusta A109E Location: St George Wharf, Vauxhall, London Date of occurrence: 16 January 2013 Category: Commercial Air Transport – Rotorcraft Summary: The helicopter was flying to the east of Battersea Heliport when it struck the jib of a crane, attached to a building development at [...]
Spain – four employees sanctioned for reporting failures in EMS helicopter
Source: HeliHub.com, 22-Jan-13
At least 40 employees of the 061 – the Spanish public health emergency organisation – staged a protest in Granada last week at the opening of four disciplinary cases. Two EMS workers, a doctor and a health and safety representative are central to the situation which concerns “safety deficiencies” in the operation of the helicopter [...]
RSG Delivers High Performance Air Conditioners for AW109E
Source: Rotorcraft Services Group, 22-Jan-13
Rotorcraft Services Group, Inc. (RSG), an industry leader in aircraft services and product development, announced the successful delivery and installation of its Agusta A109e high performance air conditioning system for Saudi Aramco. The FAA STC/PMA approved system was upgraded for operations in extreme temperature and humidity environment to satisfy Armaco’s specifications. “We strive to differentiate [...]
AgustaWestland targets Latin American production line with Embraer’s help
Source: AgustaWestland, 21-Jan-13
Embraer S.A. and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, today announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding aiming at establishing a joint-venture which could lead to the production of AgustaWestland helicopters in Brazil to be marketed for both commercial and military use in Brazil and Latin America. “This is an important step for Embraer as [...]
S&P lowers debt rating of AW parent Finmeccanica
Source: Reuters, 21-Jan-13
Ratings agency Standard and Poor’s has down-graded Finmeccanica debt with a statement that says they no longer believe that the company’s metrics will improve in 2013, “even if come disposals are forthcoming”. They give an outlook of “stable”, believing the company can slightly improve operating profits in 2013. (see full text)
WFW advised CHC on $202M operating lease facility
Source: WFW, 20-Jan-13
Watson, Farley & Williams (“WFW”), a leading international law firm, is pleased to announce that it has advised CHC Helicopter on an operating lease facility of up to US$202m with Milestone Aviation, for up to 12 helicopters (including Sikorsky, Eurocopter and AgustaWestland helicopters), its third facility with Milestone. The team, led by partner Nicola Davies, [...]
Helicopter crash – central London UK
Source: Helihub.com, 16-Jan-13
An AgustaWestland AW109E helicopter crashed this morning in central London’s rush hour – around 8am. The helicopter was en route from Redhill to Elstree, but diverting into Battersea Heliport due to poor visibility, when it hit a crane on a block of flats, and crashed to ground in flames. Two cars were reported hit and [...]
Cobham Digital Control System Audio Selected for AW119Kx
Source: Cobham, 16-Jan-13
Cobham’s Digital Audio Control System (DACS) has been selected for Life Flight Network’s fifteen new AgustaWestland AW119Kx single-engine helicopters. Life Flight Network of Aurora, Oregon – one of the world’s leading air medical transport providers – is the first customer for the AW119Kx and will be taking delivery of the aircraft during 2013. DACS is [...]
First export sale for AW159 Wildcat
Source: AgustaWestland, 16-Jan-13
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Republic of Korea has selected the AW159 helicopter to meet its Maritime Operational Helicopter requirement. The contract for eight AW159 helicopters for the Republic of Korea Navy is the first export order for this new generation aircraft, known as the AW159 Wildcat in UK service. [...]
HNZ launches its first AW109 GrandNew in Australia
Source: HNZ Group, 16-Jan-13
The first of three brand new AW109SP’s direct from their Italian factory is airborne at Jandakot WA in final preparation for its end user delivery flight to the remote north-west. The state-of-the-art helicopter is expected to make its way north in late January. Ship number one of three, arrived by sea at Fremantle and was [...]
16-Jan-13 G-CRST AgustaWestland AW109E Vauxhall, UK (2F)
16-Jan-13
AW109 Helicopterhit crane and crashed to ground, killing the pilot Pete Barnes and one person on the ground, Matt Wood. Top of the crane may have been in the cloud – check photos on the second link below. The crane is marginally south of the H4 heliroute, which has a 1500ft restriction at this point. [...]
First flight of Russian-built AW139
Source: Russian Helicopters, 15-Jan-13
HeliVert, a Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland joint venture, is pleased to announce the first AW139 helicopter assembled in Russia has successfully performed its maiden flight. On December 18, 2012, the first AW139 built in Russia, with the tail number 60001, was rolled out at the Helivert assembly plant to perform ground testing. On the following [...]
Noise Certification Standards for Tiltrotors
Source: HAI, 10-Jan-13
A new rule amends the regulations governing noise certification standards for issuing type and airworthiness certificates for the civil, hybrid airplane-rotorcraft known as the tiltrotor. This noise standard establishes new noise limits and procedures as the basis to ensure consistent aviation noise reduction technology is incorporated in tiltrotors for environmental protection. It provides uniform noise certification [...]
RSG Aerodesign delivers high performance aircon on AW109E
Source: RSG Aerodesign, 08-Jan-13
RSG Aerodesign has completed delivery and installation of a high performance air conditioner systemon the A109E model. The A109series High Performance Air Conditioning System (HPACS) is a proven high capacity vapor cycle system which is FAA STC approved for the Agusta A109A, A109AII, A109C and A109E model aircraft, FAA STC No. SR00060DE.The HPAC system is an upgrade to the existing RSG Products [...]
Ex-Formula 1 driver upgrades from AS355NP to AW Grand
Source: HeliHub.com, 07-Jan-13
British Formula 1 driver Dr Jonathan Palmer has recently upgraded from a Eurocopter AS355NP Twin Squirrel to an AgustaWestland AW109S Grand – buying a 2006 aircraft previously owned by Sir Peter Ogden – joint owner with Palmer of MotorSport Vision “MSV”. (Mr Ogden has replaced the Grand with a new GrandNew – see article) Palmer [...]
Ornge introduces new whistleblower protection policy
Source: Ornge, 07-Jan-13
Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and related services is further improving accountability and transparency by introducing a whistleblower policy. “We are truly committed to continuous improvement at Ornge, and that means everyone should feel free to come forward with concerns, without fear of reprisal,” said Ron McKerlie, Interim President and CEO of Ornge. “Our [...]
Philippines Navy orders three AW109E Powers
Source: Philippine Star, 01-Jan-13
The Philippine Dept of National Defense has announced an order for three AW109E Powers worth 1, 337,176,584 Philippine Pesos – roughly $32.5M at today’s rates. See full story
Mitsui Bussan Aerospace appointed Japan’s AW169 distributor
Source: AgustaWestland, 01-Jan-13
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Mitsui Bussan Aerospace (MBA) has been appointed official distributor for the all new AW169 helicopter in Japan. The distributorship agreement, which includes a commitment for the sale of twenty AW169s in the Japananese market, further strengthens the partnership between AgustaWestland and MBA which has been the [...]
AgustaWestland places $15M defensive aids suite order with Saab
Source: Saab, 01-Jan-13
Defence and security company Saab has received an order for helicopter self-protection and electronic intelligence systems worth around SEK 100 Million (ZAR 130 Million) from AgustaWestland Ltd. (HeliHub.com editor note – this is $15.23M in today’s money) “This contract strengthens our relationship as a key supplier to AgustaWestland and shows our ability to design and [...]
AgustaWestland Signs £260M Sea King Integrated Operational Support Contract
Source: AgustaWestland, 21-Dec-12
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, valued at approximately £260 million, for the provision of Sea King Integrated Operational Support (SKIOS) from 1st April 2013 to the type’s out of service date in March 2016. This contract will follow on [...]
Azerbaijan Airlines orders eight AW139 and two AW189
Source: AgustaWestland, 21-Dec-12
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Azerbaijan Airlines has ordered ten AgustaWestland helicopters comprising a contract for eight AW139 intermediate twins and a preliminary sales contract for two AW189 medium twins. Six helicopters, four AW139s and the two AW189s, will be used for offshore transport operations; two AW139s for emergency medical services, [...]
UK corporate owner upgrades from 109 Grand to GrandNew
Source: HeliHub.com, 20-Dec-12
Sir Peter Ogden, joint founder of the very successful computer services company Computacenter, is upgrading his AW Grand to a GrandNew. Remaining executive chairman until 1997, Sir Peter placed £22.5M into an educational trust – the Ogden Trust – when Computacenter became a UK public company in 1998. The trust fund helps very able students [...]
DART to offer Left-Hand Pilot-in-Command Kits and Cable Cutters
Source: DART Helicopter Services, 18-Dec-12
DART has a wide variety of safety enhancing products that can improve your utility mission by saving time and money, but most importantly making your mission safer. In order to do so, DART is pleased to offer Left-Hand Pilot-In Command Kits and Cable Cutters Kits to provide increased safety and to support operators who have [...]
STARS unveils second AW139
Source: STARS, 17-Dec-12
The much-anticipated addition of the new AW139 was made official Friday when the helicopter was unveiled in the hanger at the STARS base in Edmonton. The roughly 200 guests, including donors, crew and staff, were thrilled to see the gleaming red air ambulance in person. Its purchase was made possible thanks to the generosity of [...]
17-Dec-12 VT-APC AgustaWestland AW139 Hyderabad, India
17-Dec-12
Destroyed in hangar fire – which also affected five trainer aircraft operated by Andhra Pradesh Aviation Academy. The helicopter had a total of 970 hours on the airframe according to this report.
15-Dec-12 07 AgustaWestland AW109E Okoroba, Nigeria (6F)
15-Dec-12
Six killed including the Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Owoeye Azazi. Aircraft was involved in shuttle operations transporting people to/from the funeral of the father of Oronto Douglas, one of the President’s aides. Airframe total time 1704 hours according to this report
British retailer buys AW109S Grand
Source: HeliHub.com, 13-Dec-12
A British registered AgustaWestland AW109S Grand has recently been sold by one British retailer to another. Previously G-CDWY with Mike Ashley’s SportsDirect group, the helicopter is moving further north into Scotland, where it has been bought by Edinburgh Woollen Mill. Part of the sale will be the change of registration of this aircraft – serial [...]
EASA approves Honeywell’s Primus Epic ADS-B
Source: Honeywell, 13-Dec-12
Honeywell has received a European Technical Standard Order from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approving the use of its Primus Epic Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out transponder in Europe. ADS-B Out enables an aircraft to use precise satellite global positioning (GPS) data to accurately pinpoint its position in real time and broadcast this data [...]
US Combat Rescue program questions as Boeing, Bell and AgustaWestland all pull out
Source: Reuters, 12-Dec-12
Industry executives said the Air Force bidding rules were so narrowly framed that they effectively excluded their aircraft from the competition. They said the terms favored Sikorsky’s Black Hawk and would not reward extra capability offered by bigger aircraft. (see full story)
Ornge settles lawsuit with ex-employee
12-Dec-12
Former employee Lisa Kirbie sued Ornge only about six weeks ago, but a spokesman for the EMS operator says the case has now been resolved, though details of the settlement are confidential. (see full story)
EASA approves Dart Cable Cutters Kit for AW119
Source: DART Helicopter Services, 11-Dec-12
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce EASA approval of its A119/AW119MKII Cable Cutters Kit. FAA approval was previously received and Transport Canada approval is pending. The Cable Cutters Kit offered by DART provides a more affordable option compared to other kits on the market. This new approval is a welcome addition to our expanding line [...]
10-Dec-12 G-PERA AgustaWestland AW139 Southern North Sea, UK
10-Dec-12
12 December: Bond Offshore Helicopters can confirm that one of its aircraft developed a technical problem whilst on an offshore platform. Engineers were dispatched and examined the aircraft. Once the relevant part has been delivered and fitted, the aircraft will be returned to normal service. update 14th December – G-PERA returned to Norwich Airport yesterday [...]
Rega launches new dispatch system
Source: Rega, 04-Dec-12
On Monday, 3 December 2012, Swiss Air-Rescue Rega put its new dispatch system into operation. The changeover to the new infrastructure went off without a hitch. The introduction of this new system represents a key milestone within the major project, REMICO (Rega Mission Control), which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014. [...]
ExecuJet Africa Adds Helicopters to Charter Fleet
Source: ExecuJet Africa, 04-Dec-12
ExecuJet Africa has teamed up with Acher Aviation, leaders in off-shore helicopter operations, to offer a range of services including helicopter management and charter, as well as specialised support to the oil, gas, mining and resource exploration sectors. ExecuJet’s fleet now includes three helicopters from Acher Aviation, including a Bell 407, an Agusta 109 Power [...]
Ex-Im Bank finances Brazil-bound AW139s
Source: Ex-Im Bank, 04-Dec-12
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) announced today it will guarantee financing to support the export of U.S.-made helicopters to Brazil. This marks the first time the Bank has financed high-tech AW139 helicopters destined to be operated by Omni Taxi Aereo (OTA) of Rio de Janiero, Brazil. Omni Helicopters International S.A. (OHI) [...]
Kaan Air signs for one more AW169 and AW139
Source: AgustaWestland, 04-Dec-12
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Kaan Air has signed an additional preliminary order for one AW169 light intermediate twin-engine helicopter and a contract for one AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter for VIP/corporate missions. The contracts follow the one signed by the customer just two months ago for two AW169s and one [...]
