Canadian Company Has Ordered Ten Of The Aircraft

Ornge of Ontario, Canada, has taken delivery of the first of ten AW139 medium twin helicopters. The helicopters are being produced at AgustaWestland's Philadelphia, Pennsylvania production facility, and the contract includes an option for two additional aircraft. The helicopter is equipped with an advanced full aero-medical interior and is the first EMS-configured AW139 in North America featuring the Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) for flights in known icing conditions with real all weather capability. The delivery of this aircraft, announced Friday, follows the recently achieved TCAA Certifications for the FIPS system with EASA and FAA Certification already achieved. The AW139 is the first helicopter in its weight category to receive FIPS Certification.

Lou Bartolotta, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales, North America said "We are proud to deliver the best medium twin helicopter for emergency medical service duties to such a leading aero-medical operator and to the benefit of the large community they serve. The AW139 will enable Ornge to significantly enhance its operational capabilities thanks to outstanding performance, dedicated mission tools and a state-of-the-art de-icing system which is a first on the world helicopter market. This ensures Ornge will successfully accomplish the mission of saving lives even in the most demanding weather conditions when other types would be confined to the hangar."

 "As innovators in transport medicine, Ornge is always in pursuit of cutting-edge advances in aviation that will positively impact our efforts to deliver excellence in patient care," said Dr. Christopher Mazza, President and CEO of Ornge. "We believe that the FIPS-equipped AW139 represents a major step in that advancement, and we are proud to be the first system of our kind in North America to take receipt of one.  With greater ability to respond to our environment through FIPS, as well as the many other capabilities and features of the AW139, this helicopter will provide our pilots, paramedics and patients with unparalleled safety and operational flexibility in the sky."

Designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, the AW139 is capable of carrying up to four litters and four medical attendants. An 282-cubic-foot cabin that is over 4.6 feet high allows medical attendants easy access to casualties. Litter layout ranges from two to four in medevac configuration. If cabin access to the large baggage compartment is utilized, litter capacity can be increased to six.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com