VVIP

Mecaer Aviation delivers VVIP AW139 to US customer

Mecaer Aviation delivers VVIP AW139 to US customer

24-Apr-2023Source: Mecaer Aviation Group

Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG), an acclaimed designer and manufacturer of high-end cabin comfort systems, announced the delivery of a newly completed AW-139 helicopter to a US-based customer, represented by aviation consultant, The VanAllen Group. This AW-139 helicopter is equipped with the latest technology and is the first US-registered AW-139 with Leonardo Helicopters’ newly certified Honeywell... Read more

Korea looks to replace Presidential S92s

Korea looks to replace Presidential S92s

16-Jan-2023Source: HeliHub.com

The Korean military has started the process of replacing their three Sikorsky S92s which are operated in support of the President.  The three have exceeded their planned replacement cycle of 10 years, in part due to the pandemic enforcing different priorities on Government time. The Korean Air Force has submitted documentation to the Joint Chiefs... Read more

Zimbabwe President takes delivery of an Airbus EC225

Zimbabwe President takes delivery of an Airbus EC225

19-Apr-2021Source: HeliHub.com

Local press in the African country of Zimbabwe is reporting the arrival of an Airbus EC225 helicopter at capital city Harare’s international airport on Thursday 15th April. The helicopter was transported on board an Antonov An-124 freighter operated by Volga-Dnepr Airlines (registration RA-82077), which had arrived from Rzeszow in Poland. The departure point suggests to... Read more

Universal Avionics ground testing completed on Heli-One S76B

Universal Avionics ground testing completed on Heli-One S76B

6-Jun-2018Source: Heli-One

Ground testing for Heli-One’s Sikorsky S-76B helicopter upgrade program featuring a Universal Avionics flight deck is now complete, with flight testing imminent. The aircraft is operated by a VVIP operator in Asia. The upgraded, modern glass cockpit includes the installation of three EFI-890H Advanced Flight Displays with Vision-1® Synthetic Vision System and a UNS-1Fw Satellite-Based... Read more

Luxaviation announces first international VIP partnership with HeliFlite

Luxaviation announces first international VIP partnership with HeliFlite

1-Jun-2018Source: Luxaviation

Luxaviation Group (booth N116), is announcing a strategic partnership between its dedicated VVIP helicopter service Luxaviation Helicopters and HeliFlite Shares LLC, the premier VIP rotorcraft operator in the US. The deal marks the first ever international partnership of VIP and VVIP helicopter operators, with Luxaviation customers set to benefit from a safe, seamless service to... Read more

Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant hosts a delegation from Zimbabwe

Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant hosts a delegation from Zimbabwe

9-Apr-2018Source: Russian Helicopters

High-level delegation from the Republic of Zimbabwe made a working visit to Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant of Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec). The main purpose of the visit was examination of Mi-171E helicopters in VVIP configuration intended for transportation of top state officials and also familiarization with the terms of helicopter delivery and after-sales... Read more

Luxaviation Helicopters acquires Starspeed

Luxaviation Helicopters acquires Starspeed

12-Sep-2017

Luxaviation Helicopters, part of the Luxaviation Group, is today announcing the acquisition of Starspeed, the global helicopter management, charter and training company. The deal, Luxaviation Helicopters’ first acquisition since launching in February 2017, positions the company as the world’s largest VIP and VVIP helicopter operator. Luxaviation Helicopters will incorporate Starspeed’s fleet of 23 helicopters into... Read more

Indonesian AW101 Investigation

Indonesian AW101 Investigation

17-Feb-2017Source: HeliHub.com

Tension between the Indonesian Defence Minister, Service Chiefs and Armed Forces Commander has risen due to the current AW101 situation. In November 2015, the Indonesian Air Force requested a contract for three AW101 VVIP helicopters. This request was denied by President Joko Widodo, as the cost for one alone would amount to $55 million. The... Read more

Luxaviation Helicopters launches as first global VIP helicopter management company

Luxaviation Helicopters launches as first global VIP helicopter management company

2-Feb-2017Source: Luxaviation Group

Luxaviation Helicopters, part of the Luxaviation Group, launches today as the first VIP helicopter management company with a truly global reach. Present in key locations spanning the Group’s worldwide operations in Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East, Luxaviation Helicopters will manage VIP and VVIP helicopters for private and business clients.... Read more

Punjab Government VVIP choice is between Mi-17 and Bell 412

Punjab Government VVIP choice is between Mi-17 and Bell 412

26-Nov-2015Source: Tribune

The Punjab government has decided to purchase two new aircraft for VVIP movement, The Express Tribune has learnt. See full story... Read more

Dubai Air Wing celebrates 20 years with AW

Dubai Air Wing celebrates 20 years with AW

11-Nov-2015Source: AgustaWestland

AgustaWestland congratulates the Dubai Air Wing on achieving 20 years of successful operations of its helicopter types for transport missions.An official ceremony was held at the Dubai Airshow today to celebrate this significant milestone. A leading helicopter operator in the United Arab Emirates and a key customer to AgustaWestland with almost 20 aircraft of various... Read more

Sikorsky details completion of some Presidential VH-92A milestones

Sikorsky details completion of some Presidential VH-92A milestones

6-Nov-2015Source: Sikorsky

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation announced today the successful completion of the VH-92A Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program Preliminary Design Review (PDR), completion of the integration and performance testing of mission communications system (MCS) components, and Sikorsky’s acceptance of the second S-92A™ aircraft for the program. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).... Read more

Royal Air Force to receive AW109SP GrandNew

Royal Air Force to receive AW109SP GrandNew

23-Oct-2015Source: HeliHub.com

Previously unannounced by AgustaWestland, it would appear that the Royal Air Force in the UK are soon to receive an AW109SP GrandNew.  In a sneak photo here, we can see the full standard 32 Squadron colour scheme including RAF roundels, the British flag on the tail and the squadron crest just below the cabin windows.... Read more

India likely to close AgustaWestland probe

India likely to close AgustaWestland probe

24-Jun-2015Source: AgustaWestland

India’s Central Bureau of Investigation is likely to close the probe into alleged kickbacks in the deal to buy 12 AgustaWestland AW- 101 helicopters to ferry VVIPs. See Full Story.... Read more

24-Jun-15 VT-ENY Airbus AS365N Haldia, India

24-Jun-15 VT-ENY Airbus AS365N Haldia, India

24-Jun-2015

Red carpet and various other items laid out for the greeting of a visiting VIP (senior Union Minister Nitin Gadkari) were blown up by rotor downdraft and reportedly struck fenestron... Read more

Jordan requests a UH-60M VIP Blackhawk

Jordan requests a UH-60M VIP Blackhawk

5-May-2015Source: DSCA

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Jordan for a UH-60M VIP Blackhawk helicopter and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $21 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Jordan... Read more

Sikorsky given $46M to rework two VH-3D and one VH-60N

Sikorsky given $46M to rework two VH-3D and one VH-60N

27-Nov-2014Source: US DoD

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Connecticut, is being awarded a $46,945,004 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-07-D-0004) to exercise an option for special progressive aircraft rework for two VH-3D and one VH-60N presidential helicopters, including training, security, and project engineering, integrated logistics and program support. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut (88 percent),... Read more

AgustaWestland ships first Nigerian VIP AW101

AgustaWestland ships first Nigerian VIP AW101

6-Nov-2014Source: HeliHub.com

AgustaWestland has recently shipped the first of two VIP AW101s to the Nigerian Air Force.  The manufacturer flew the helicopter from its Yeovil factory in the UK to London Stansted Airport, where technicians dismantled the aircraft and stored it in a hangar ready for the flight.  On a similar assignment in 2013, inclement weather conditions... Read more

India’s Telangana state to buy twin-turbine helicopter

India’s Telangana state to buy twin-turbine helicopter

8-Oct-2014Source: HeliHub.com

Telangana state Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has revealed plans to buy a new helicopter. The State Government of Telangana would plan to use the aircraft for the official use of the Chief Minister and other VVIPs. Telangana state Chief Secretary Dr Rajiv Sharma has been entrusted with the responsibility of sourcing the new aircraft.... Read more

Sikorsky awarded $9.2M delivery order for VH-3D interior overhaul

Sikorsky awarded $9.2M delivery order for VH-3D interior overhaul

17-Sep-2014Source: US DoD

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Connecticut, is being awarded $9,242,869 for cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price modification to previously issued delivery order 4010 against Basic Ordering Agreement N00019-14-G-0004. This order provides for non-recurring efforts in support of the cabin interior and the environmental control system redesign of the VH-3D aircraft, including VIP seats, cabin interior kit, and special tooling.... Read more

Sikorsky awarded $1,244,677,064 contract for Presidential S92s

Sikorsky awarded $1,244,677,064 contract for Presidential S92s

9-May-2014Source: US DoD

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Connecticut, is being awarded a $1,244,677,064 fixed-price-incentive-firm target contract for the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the Presidential Helicopter Replacement program. This contract provides for the procurement of six test aircraft and the associated support equipment, integration of mature government-defined mission systems, a training system including a flight training device... Read more

US Navy confirms Sikorsky wins ‘Marine One’ competition by default

US Navy confirms Sikorsky wins ‘Marine One’ competition by default

8-May-2014Source: Sikorsky

Editor note – You would not believe from the press release below that Sikorsky was the ONLY remaining bidder for this program, but that was the case.  See this story from Reuters to put it all in context. The U.S. Navy today announced that Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), has... Read more

Papal helicopter put on display in museum

Papal helicopter put on display in museum

7-May-2014Source: HeliHub.com

The Mi-8 helicopter used by His Holiness John Paul II during his pilgrimage to Poland in 1979 has been put on display in the Polish Aviation Museum at Krakow. Carrying military serial 620, the Mi-8 is shown in the colours of the VIP flight – 36 Specjalny Pułk Lotnictwa Transportowego, or 36th Special Regiment of... Read more

Bell-Boeing offers VIP V-22 to India to replace AW101

Bell-Boeing offers VIP V-22 to India to replace AW101

27-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com

Bell has offered the V-22 Osprey to India in the wake of the not-yet-finalised AW101 debacle. The AW101 situation is far from over. India finally agreed to appoint an arbitrator on 1st January, almost three months after AgustaWestland took the same step when India unilaterally decided to suspend the contract. According to AgustaWestland, there is... Read more

AgustaWestland welcomes the India’s Nomination of an Arbitrator

AgustaWestland welcomes the India’s Nomination of an Arbitrator

3-Jan-2014Source: AgustaWestland

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, confirms to have received yesterday from India’s Ministry of Defence a notification concerning the appointment of an arbitrator from its side, as requested by AgustaWestland on November 25 and December 4, 2013, as well as a termination notice of the agreement for the supply of 12 VVIP/VIP helicopters, consistent with yesterday’s... Read more

OFFICIAL – India appoints arbitrator for AW101 helicopter contract

OFFICIAL – India appoints arbitrator for AW101 helicopter contract

2-Jan-2014Source: HeliHub.com

The Indian Government has  released this statement – we run it verbatim with the spelling mistake! Press Information Bureau  Government of India Ministry of Defence  01-January-2014 17:44 IST VVIP Choper Agreement with AgustaWestLand International Ltd. (AWIL) Terminated  The Government of India has terminated with immediate effect the Agreement that was signed with M/s. AgustaWestLand International... Read more

AgustaWestland investigation becomes row between Indian political parties

AgustaWestland investigation becomes row between Indian political parties

15-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com

The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party – literally “Indian People’s Party”) party in India is turning the AgustaWestland AW101 deal investigation into a domestic political row. The BJP claims to have had sight of a document which Swiss businessman Guido Haschke claimed he wrote during a meeting in 2008. The document reportedly lists initials of Indian... Read more

Sikorsky delivers second of two S92s to Turkish Prime Minster’s flight

Sikorsky delivers second of two S92s to Turkish Prime Minster’s flight

17-Nov-2013Source: Sikorsky

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today that it recently delivered the second of two VIP S-92® helicopters to the Turkish National Police (TNP) for service to the Turkish Prime Ministry, as part of a contract signed in 2011. Sikorsky, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), delivered the first aircraft in May 2013. The new... Read more

AgustaWestland deny sale of three “Indian AW101s”

AgustaWestland deny sale of three “Indian AW101s”

14-Nov-2013Source: HeliHub.com

AgustaWestland was reported this week in another aviation journal as having sold three AW101s from the twelve built for India – the same batch of twelve currently subject to ongoing discussions with the authorities there (more updates on that front soon, we expect!).  AgustaWestland has  told HeliHub.com that report is incorrect and if that was what... Read more

Swiss resident in Indian Finmeccanica probe arrested

Swiss resident in Indian Finmeccanica probe arrested

18-Oct-2013Source: Reuters

Swiss resident Guido Ralph Haschke was arrested on Thursday on charges of bribery in an Indian helicopter deal won by Finmeccanica unit AgustaWestland in 2010, his lawyer said.  See full story... Read more

AgustaWestland invokes arbitration clause in Indian VVIP AW101 contract

AgustaWestland invokes arbitration clause in Indian VVIP AW101 contract

4-Oct-2013Source: AgustaWestland

AgustaWestland took a big new step today in their attempt to resolve the current impasse between them and the Indian military.  Their new move is described in the following statement :- ‘Following the suspension of the contract to supply AW101 VVIP helicopters to India – a sanction not provided for the under contract – a... Read more

Kurdistan Regional Government orders two VIP MD Explorers

Kurdistan Regional Government orders two VIP MD Explorers

25-Sep-2013Source: MD Helicopters

MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a Lynn Tilton company and leading manufacturer of commercial, air-rescue, military and law enforcement helicopters, announced new orders from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for two MD 902 Explorer helicopters. The helicopters will provide VIP transport support to senior government officials. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in the third quarter... Read more

AgustaWestland declines to bid for US presidential helicopter

AgustaWestland declines to bid for US presidential helicopter

31-Jul-2013Source: FlightGlobal

Manufacturer AgustaWestland will not bid for the US VXX programme to replace the presidential helicopter fleet, despite winning a previous competition, says the company. see full story... Read more

AgustaWestland seeks release of money for Indian AW101s

AgustaWestland seeks release of money for Indian AW101s

5-Jun-2013Source: The Hindu

Even as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is conducting a probe into allegations of financial irregularities and payoffs in the Rs. 3600 crore VVIP chopper deal with AgustaWestland, the Anglo-Italian firm has knocked on the doors of the the Finance Ministry for release of nearly Rs 2,400 crore (approx $430M) which has been put... Read more

23-May-13 G-XXEB Sikorsky S76C++ Denham, UK

23-May-13 G-XXEB Sikorsky S76C++ Denham, UK

23-May-2013

Precautionary landing after technical issue with VVIPs on board -Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall... Read more

Turkish National Police orders two VVIP S92s

Turkish National Police orders two VVIP S92s

9-May-2013Source: Sikorsky

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced it has delivered the first of two VIP S-92® helicopters to the Turkish National Police (TNP) for service to the Turkish Prime Ministry, under a contract signed in 2011. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). The new helicopters will support the Head of State function currently... Read more

First VVIP AW101 delivered to Turkmenistan

First VVIP AW101 delivered to Turkmenistan

26-Apr-2013Source: AgustaWestland

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the delivery of the first AW101 VVIP helicopter to Turkmenistan Airlines. The contract for two AW101 VVIP helicopters was signed at the 2010 Farnborough International Air Show. Assembly of the aircraft took place at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility in South West England. AgustaWestland has also provided pilot and... Read more

Mexico orders six GrandNew for Presidential flight

Mexico orders six GrandNew for Presidential flight

22-Apr-2013Source: HeliHub.com

Mexico has ordered six AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew helicopters for VVIP work in their Presidential flight. SEDENA (Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional), the government agency responsible for the Army and Air Force, says the total contracted value is 776 million pesos – about $63.1M at today’s prices. The Presidential fleet is tasked with flying the President... Read more

Indian Air Force may have no VVIP helicopters after 2014

Indian Air Force may have no VVIP helicopters after 2014

22-Apr-2013Source: Daily Mail India

After February 2014, VVIPs may not be able to fly in an Indian Air Force helicopter, as there may not be a single one left in the IAF’s elite squadron, which ferries the Prime Minister, the President, senior ministers and other top dignitaries. (See full story)... Read more

India’s AW101s – AgustaWestland has 7 days to respond

India’s AW101s – AgustaWestland has 7 days to respond

18-Feb-2013Source: HeliHub.com

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. ... Read more

India’s AW101s – Focus on the middlemen

India’s AW101s – Focus on the middlemen

18-Feb-2013

“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... Read more

Finmeccanica boss has no intention to step down, says lawyer

Finmeccanica boss has no intention to step down, says lawyer

18-Oct-2012

Finmeccanica Chairman and CEO Giuseppe Orsi has no intention of resigning, his lawyer said on Monday after media reports at the weekend over allegations concerning the Indian AgustaWestland VIP AW101 contract (see full story)... Read more

Sikorsky awarded $22M contract to rework two VH-60Ns

Sikorsky awarded $22M contract to rework two VH-60Ns

18-Oct-2012Source: US DoD

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $22,055,922 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-07-D-0004) to exercise an option for special progressive aircraft rework of two fiscal 2013 VH-60N aircraft.  In addition this modification includes the associated vendor repairable and component overhaul for the VH-60N and the VH-3D aircrafts.  Funds will... Read more

Columbian Air Force replaces VVIP Bell 412

Columbian Air Force replaces VVIP Bell 412

10-Oct-2012Source: HeliHub.com

The Columbian Air Force has very recently taken delivery of a new Bell 412EP, with the aircraft being noted at various points on its ferry flight from Texas, including San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport in Costa Rica on Sunday 7th October.  The aircraft is a replacement for an earlier 412 which was damaged beyond... Read more

Northrop Grumman and AgustaWestland team for USAF CSAR and US Navy “Marine One” Programs

Northrop Grumman and AgustaWestland team for USAF CSAR and US Navy “Marine One” Programs

18-Sep-2012Source: Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company (FNC IM, SIFI.MI) announced today that they have signed a comprehensive teaming agreement to respond to anticipated requests for both the new Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter and the Navy’s recently announced program to develop a new “Marine One” Presidential Helicopter. A US built helicopter based... Read more

15-Sep-12 Mil MI-17 Banke, Nepal

15-Sep-12 Mil MI-17 Banke, Nepal

15-Sep-2012

emergency landing due to bad weather... Read more

10-Jun-12 5Y-CDT Eurocopter AS350B3e Ngong Hills, Kenya (6F)

10-Jun-12 5Y-CDT Eurocopter AS350B3e Ngong Hills, Kenya (6F)

10-Jun-2012

Crashed in woodland killing Kenya’s Security Minister, George Saitoti and his deputy Orwa Ojode, pilots Luke Oyugi, Nancy Gituanja and bodyguards Inspector Joshua Tonkei and Sergeant Thomas Murimis.  Only small size items remain after post-crash fire.  Helicopter had only been delivered earlier this year (see HeliHub.com story and local Kenyan story).  See also this YouTube... Read more

Kiev presidential helipad has legal challenge

Kiev presidential helipad has legal challenge

1-Jun-2012Source: Ukrainian Journal

Kiev City Council aims to check the legality of the construction of a helipad for the Ukrainian president and the compliance of the facility under construction with its design documentation (see full story)... Read more

India – Jharkhand to buy helicopter, rather than charter

India – Jharkhand to buy helicopter, rather than charter

31-May-2012Source: Times of India

Funds will not be a constraint to buy a new helicopter. “The department has to make budgetary provision for it. I don’t think that fund will be a constraint,” state finance secretary Sukhdev Singh said.  (See full story) The accident referred to in the story can be viewed in more detail at 09-May-12 VT-VKS Agusta... Read more

Jharkhand Chief Minister out of danger after A109C accident

Jharkhand Chief Minister out of danger after A109C accident

9-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com

This news item is part of the accident data provided by HeliHub.com on this site.  Information provided in this update may potentially be incomplete or inaccurate as we frequently post these stories only a very short time after the accident has occurred.  Users of HeliHub.com are advised to carry out their own checks and searches,... Read more

09-May-12 VT-VKS Agusta A109C Ranchi, India

09-May-12 VT-VKS Agusta A109C Ranchi, India

9-May-2012

Crash landed at Ranchi Airport due to tail rotor problems.  Local reports suggest that pilot made a high speed landing on wheels and the helicopter then turned over up to six times as a result of this landing.  However, it meant that all survived and the 6 POB have already been declared “out of danger”... Read more

India helicopter deal: Italy probes Euro 51M ‘payoff’

India helicopter deal: Italy probes Euro 51M ‘payoff’

24-Apr-2012Source: Indian Express

Italy probes 51 m Euro ‘payoff’ to agent Guido Haschke for VVIP AW101 deal with India – the 62-year-old consultant is believed to have dual citizenship of Switzerland and the US (see full story)... Read more

Sikorsky point finger at AgustaWestland over Indian VVIP order, says press

Sikorsky point finger at AgustaWestland over Indian VVIP order, says press

15-Apr-2012

The Indian press continue to have AgustaWestland in their firing line over the order for twelve VVIP helicopters which they won with the VVIP.  Now the Express quotes an un-named Sikorsky official saying  “There’s enough conclusive evidence. Let the law take its own course. The ministry has ordered a probe and the law of the... Read more

Japan acquires a Eurocopter EC225 for passenger transportation

Japan acquires a Eurocopter EC225 for passenger transportation

15-Mar-2012Source: Eurocopter Japan

Eurocopter Japan, a subsidiary of Eurocopter Group, will supply one EC225 to the Japan Ministry of Defense, to be operated by the Japanese ground self defense force for passenger transport. It is a replacement for the same helicopter model which was submerged during the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March last year. The... Read more

US Presidential helicopter acquisition delayed further

US Presidential helicopter acquisition delayed further

6-Mar-2012Source: GAO

The formal start of the VXX presidential helicopter program has been delayed, as finding an acceptable solution has proved elusive. Last year, we reported that the VXX effort was in the earliest stages of development–still developing a business case to launch product development. At that time, an AOA—required for a Milestone A decision initiating the... Read more

Indian defence minister orders enquiry into AgustaWestland corruption allegations

Indian defence minister orders enquiry into AgustaWestland corruption allegations

26-Feb-2012Source: HeliHub.com

The Indian Defence Minister, A K Antony, is reported in local newspaper The Times of India as having asked his ministry officials to investigate Italian media reports alleging corrupt and unethical practices by Finmeccanica, in the light of deliveries of their 12 VVIP AW101s due to start later this autumn.  Separately, the Indian Express reports... Read more

Polish Air Force disbands 36SPLT VIP unit

Polish Air Force disbands 36SPLT VIP unit

5-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com

In a ceremony on Tuesday at Warsaw’s Okecie Airport, the Polish Air Force VIP squadron 36SPLT (Specjalnego PuÅ‚ku Lotnictwa Transportowego = Special Air Transport Regiment) was disbanded. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Defence Czeslaw Mroczek, Chief of General Staff of the Polish Army General Mieczyslaw Cieniuch, Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. pil.... Read more

Algeria to sell VVIP Eurocopter EC225s

Algeria to sell VVIP Eurocopter EC225s

11-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com

The Republic of Algeria is selling its pair of VVIP Eurocopter EC225LP helicopters.  Sales company Helipartner is marketing the pair on their website.  Built in 2003 and 2004, the two helicopters have flown less than 1,200 hours between them, so they average just 80 hours a year each.  The two aircraft are listed with their... Read more

Navy museum unveils Nixon’s ‘Marine One’

Navy museum unveils Nixon’s ‘Marine One’

23-Sep-2011Source: Pensacola News-Journal

Visitors now have plenty of reason to flash some peace signs for a photo op at the National Naval Aviation Museum.  The “Marine One” helicopter that once transported Presidents Nixon and Ford made its formal debut at the Hangar Bay One at the museum Thursday morning.  The interior of the aircraft is open for viewing... Read more

VIP upgrades for four V-22s

VIP upgrades for four V-22s

29-Aug-2011Source: Marine Corps Times

Marines unit HMX-1  is set to receive four VIP kits that will effectively turn the V-22s into executive aircraft suitable for diplomats and dignitaries, presidential staff and other very important people.  The Marine Corps is accepting proposals through August from companies to build and deliver the new kits.  (See full story)... Read more

Taiwan donates Bell 427 to President of Paraguay

Taiwan donates Bell 427 to President of Paraguay

11-Jul-2011Source: HeliHub.com

In a recent ceremony, the Taiwanese ambassador to Paraguay Lien-sheng Huang handed over the keys of a Bell 427 to President Fernando Lugo as a gift from the far eastern country.  The President is seen on the right in the photo. The particular aircraft, carrying US registration N367ND was the 11th 427 off the line. ... Read more

UAE puts in request for five VIP UH-60Ms

UAE puts in request for five VIP UH-60Ms

28-Jun-2011Source: DSCA

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Thursday of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of five UH-60M BLACKHAWK VIP helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $217 million. The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested a possible... Read more

Sikorsky awarded $7M contract for VH-60N rework

Sikorsky awarded $7M contract for VH-60N rework

27-Jun-2011Source: US DoD

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $7,127,008 firm-fixed-price delivery order on a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-07-D-0004) for the VH-60N Executive Helicopter special progressive aircraft rework induction, including vendor repairables and component overhaul.  Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed in May 2012.  Contract funds in... Read more

India to receive first six VIP AW101s in 2012

India to receive first six VIP AW101s in 2012

24-Jun-2011Source: HeliHub.com

India will receive next year the first batch of the 12 helicopters for transportation of VIPs. Half the fleet is expected by the end of 2012 as the assembly of the first two helicopters has commenced at the manufacturer’s facilities in Europe. “We have started assembling the first two helicopters and will be soon moving... Read more

Indian Air Force embarassment as two VVIP Mi-17s “go tech”

Indian Air Force embarassment as two VVIP Mi-17s “go tech”

6-May-2011

Two Mi-17 helicopters deployed to ferry defence minister A K Antony and his high-level entourage to forward areas in Rajasthan developed technical snags, one after the other, on Monday.... Read more

Sikorsky awarded $7M more for VH-60N update program

Sikorsky awarded $7M more for VH-60N update program

12-Apr-2011Source: US DoD

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $7,073,193 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-07-D-0004) to exercise an option for the fiscal 2011 VH-60N executive helicopter special progressive aircraft rework, including vendor repairables and component overhaul.  Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed in February... Read more

Two AgustaWestland helicopters for Russian presidential flight

Two AgustaWestland helicopters for Russian presidential flight

4-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com

The aviation arm of the Kremlin has signified its intent to procure two Airbus A319 airliners and two AgustaWestland helicopters this year.  While the exact helicopter type is not mentioned, the tender documents stated a need to have them delivered in October 2011, with the jets following in December.  The presidential flight is also looking... Read more

Sikorsky awarded $11M contract for work on one VVIP UH-60M for Jordan

Sikorsky awarded $11M contract for work on one VVIP UH-60M for Jordan

24-Nov-2010Source: US DoD

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Nov. 19 an $11,796,358 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the P00253 exercises an option for one UH-60M aircraft for Jordan Foreign Military Sales Case JO-B-WAT, as well as four engineering change proposals and provides the contractor consideration for the conversion of specific government furnished equipment items... Read more

Indian Air Force Signs €560 Million Contract For 12 AW101

Indian Air Force Signs €560 Million Contract For 12 AW101

11-Mar-2010Source: AgustaWestland

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that a contract has been signed by the Government of India for the acquisition of twelve AW101 helicopters that will perform government transport duties. The contract, valued at around € 560 million, includes an extensive five year logistic support service and initial aircrew and technician training. Over 180... Read more

Uttar Pradesh State Government’s AW109S Grand Enters Service

Uttar Pradesh State Government’s AW109S Grand Enters Service

4-Mar-2010Source: AgustaWestland

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Uttar Pradesh State Government (India) has started operating its Grand light twin turbine engine helicopter. Configured with a six seat cabin the aircraft will be used for VIP transport purposes in the region. The delivery of the Uttar Pradesh State Government’s Grand further expands the... Read more

India to get 12 VVIP AgustaWestland AW101s in four years

India to get 12 VVIP AgustaWestland AW101s in four years

17-Feb-2010Source: Brahmand

AgustaWestland said it would be able to deliver the 12 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force within four years of signing the contract.... Read more

Sikorsky Delivers New VIP S-76C++ to UK Royal Household

Sikorsky Delivers New VIP S-76C++ to UK Royal Household

4-Nov-2009Source: Sikorsky

Sikorsky has provided helicopters to support the Royal Family since the early 1950’s, including the R4, S-51, S-55, S-58, S-58T, S-76B and the S-76C+ helicopters. The new S76C++ helicopter entered service in September.... Read more

Eurocopter South East Asia signs a contract with Royal Thai Police for 3 EC155s

Eurocopter South East Asia signs a contract with Royal Thai Police for 3 EC155s

8-Sep-2009Source: Eurocopter

Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer is pleased to announce the contract signature of 3 EC155 Dauphin helicopters with the Royal Thai Police (RTP) at Asian Aerospace in Hong Kong. These 3 new medium weight twin-engine helicopters will be delivered in 2011 and will be dedicated to VVIP missions.... Read more

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