AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Sky Maintenance Services (SMS) of France has been appointed an authorized Service Centre for the A109 series, AW109 Power, Grand and GrandNew light twin models.

The Service Centre, based in Le Castellet in southern France, will feature a brand new hangar providing maintenance and repair services as well as maintaining a spare parts inventory for the AgustaWestland light twin models, enabling AgustaWestland to offer its growing customer base in France an even greater level of service. SMS also has a hangar facility at the heliport in the Principality of Monaco and a base in Archamps, close to Geneva, enabling them to effectively serve two important areas where there are a growing number of AgustaWestland light twin helicopter operating.

Around 20 light twin helicopters have already been sold by AgustaWestland in France and the company sees further business opportunities in the country for its latest technology light twin range for a number of roles including VIP/corporate transport and emergency medical service/search and rescue.

This latest step in France is part of AgustaWestland’s continuous effort to enhance its global presence through the provision of total support solutions for its customers. By doing so the company aims at supporting its customers at locations close to where they are based and have their business in order to maximize the operational effectiveness of their helicopters. The number of AgustaWestland Service Centres worldwide is nearly 70, providing local support to customers. New steps are underway to further expand the network of Service Centres.

Sky Maintenance Services, a SkyGroup company, is a leading provider of maintenance services. The parent company SkyGroup owns several affiliated companies specialising in the provision of helicopter services including SkyCam of France, which operates and manages approximately 15 single and twin engine helicopters, and Monacair headquartered at the Principality of Monaco Heliport. SkyGroup also offers aerial photography, helicopter management, public transportation and pilot training services. For further information, please visit www.skygroup.fr and www.skymaintenanceservices.fr.