Leonardo-Finmeccanica announced on 1 Sep that five corporate helicopters have recently been sold to three customers in South America. The sales include one AgustaWestland AW169 and twoGrandNew helicopters to corporate customers in Argentina, and another two GrandNew helicopters to a corporate customer inVenezuela. All five aircraft will be delivered by the end of 2016.

The newly-certified AW169 and the GrandNew meet discerning customer preferences for helicopters with quiet and comfortable interiors and innovative safety features. The GrandNew continues to offer the highest levels of luxury, thanks to its low noise, low vibration and spacious cabin. The AW169 incorporates several new technology features in the rotor system, engines, avionics, transmission and electric power generation and distribution systems, and can comfortably accommodate up to ten passengers in its large, unobstructed cabin.

The sales represent the growing share of commercial AgustaWestland helicopters in the South American market, which now totals 250 aircraft across a fleet of AW109s, AW119s, and AW139s. The company maintains a leading position in the global executive/private transport market with a 50 percent share in the multiengine segment.