AgustaWestland On A Roll, Wins Orders In Asia And Europe

AgustaWestland appears to have bounced back from the Indian VVIP helicopter scandal quite nicely winning several contracts in South East Asia.

The Helicopter-maker this week won three contracts worth a total €130 million from North and Southeast Asian customers for the supply of 13 helicopters for both government and commercial roles, announced during the Singapore Air Show 2014.

In particular, Weststar Aviation Services of Malaysia signed a contract for ten AW139 helicopters for offshore missions, bringing the total number of AW139s that will be operated by it to 34.

South Korea placed an order for one AW139 which will perform fire fighting, search and rescue, emergency medical services (EMS) and utility mission while the Philippine Navy ordered two AW109 Power helicopters to be used for a wide range of naval missions including search and rescue, economic zone protection, surface surveillance and maritime security.

The Philippines last November ordered eight AW109 Power light twin helicopters with delivered scheduled to begin in 2014.

“This latest achievement provides clear evidence of the customer’s confidence in the product while we’ve demonstrated that we are a reliable partner, able to offer a cost-effective solution. We are committed to deliver the improved mission capabilities and high quality services the customer deserves,” Daniele Romiti, Chief Executive Officer, AgustaWestland said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Army took delivery of two AW139 twin-engine helicopters. Ordered at the end of 2012, these aircraft will perform transport and utility missions across the nation.

AgustaWestland has also scored contracts in Europe. Norway awarded AW with €1.15 billion contract to supply 16 AW101 helicopters to be used for SAR missions.

Aircraft deliveries to the Royal Norwegian Air Force, who will fly and operate the helicopters, will start in 2017 and continue through to 2020. As part of the contract, a fifteen year “turnkey” support solution will be delivered, comprising spares and technical support and training services, with an option for it to be extended for a further five years, AgustaWestland said in a statement.

In January, the UK Ministry of Defense awarded AW two contracts worth £760m to  convert 25 Merlin helicopters for use by the Royal Navy, while the second contract will provide the Apache attack helicopter fleet with support and maintenance service for the Army for the next five years.

Philip Hammond, the Defence Secretary, said the £760m investment was “vital in maintaining the Apache attack helicopter and Merlin helicopter as a first class airpower for our Army and Navy for many years to come”.

Meanwhile, AgustaWestland is competing in various contracts including the tender issued by Poland for 70 helicopters.

Poland has shortlisted AgustaWestland, Sikorsky and Eurocopter, according to reports. The current status of this competition is unclear.