Sweden To Get Seven New AW139 Helicopters

AgustaWestland has signed a contract with the Swedish Maritime Administration for the supply of seven new search and rescue helicopters. The AW139 is a well-tested rescue helicopter optimal for Swedish conditions and is certified according to international standards. The acquisition of new rescue helicopters means an increased capacity and capability in maritime and aeronautical search and rescue operations. This will ensure that the organisation’s needs as well as the current set of requirements are met with. The purchase is part of an ongoing commitment to ensure a sustainable maritime an aeronautical search and rescue service. The new helicopters will gradually replace the existing from mid-2013 until the end of 2014, an official statement said. "It is very satisfying that in the future we will have an improved capacity and ability to save lives without increasing the total cost of operations," says Noomi Eriksson, Deputy Director General and Head of Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Department at Swedish Maritime Administration.