Saudi Arabia To Buy A Fleet Of AW139 Helicopters

AgustaWestland announced today that it has signed a contract to supply a fleet of AW139 twin engine helicopters for Saudi Arabia. 

The helicopters will be configured with a dedicated aeromedical interior to perform air ambulance operations, with deliveries starting in 2013 and being completed in early 2014. 

The AW139 will further enhance the aeromedical evacuation service in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, helping it to save lives and deliver medical treatment to those in need in the shortest possible time, an official statement said.

AgustWestland says that the AW139 is the only helicopter in its class to meet the latest civil safety standards and features Cat. A (Class 1) performance, a 30 minute run dry capable main gearbox and an advanced Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS).

“The AW139, together with the AW169 4.5 tonne light intermediate and the AW189 8 tonne class twin engine helicopters, is part of the AgustaWestland family of new generation helicopters which possess the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features as well as sharing a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concept. This commonality will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets across the 4 to 8.5 tonne categories,” the statement continues.