Rome, 10 October 2016 – Leonardo-Finmeccanica announced today that five firm orders have been signed for AgustaWestland AW169 helicopters by different Brazilian corporate and private customers. The announcement comes following an official presentation of the new generation model to nearly 100 pilots from across Brazil and held at the end of August, introducing capabilities, avionics and interior options available to AW169 VIP customers.
The new generation AW169 meets discerning customer preferences for helicopters and features innovative safety characteristics. The AW169 incorporates several new technology solutions in the rotor system, engines, avionics, transmission and electric power generation and distribution systems, and can comfortably accommodate up to ten passengers.
Of the more than 150 agreements signed for the AW169 to date, including firm orders, framework contracts, and options, over 20 of them are from operators in Brazil. The company maintains a leading position in the global executive/private transport market with a 50 percent share in the multiengine segment, which will be further reinforced through AW169 deliveries worldwide.
With the AW169, Leonardo has responded to market demand for a new generation versatile light-intermediate twin-engine helicopter and has achieved its aim of greatly reducing the time to market, whilst meeting the most stringent operational and safety requirements set by the certification authorities and by the market. The type has already been selected for a range of duties including air ambulance, executive/corporate transport, law enforcement, offshore transport and utility roles.
The AW169 is part of the family of new generation helicopters that includes the AW139 and AW189 models, which possess the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features as well as sharing a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance/training concept. This commonality will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets across the 4 to 9 tonne categories.<>
