AgustaWestland announced that Mitsui Bussan Aerospace of Japan has signed a contract, valued at approximately $100 million, for 12 AW139 helicopters -- as well as an exclusive distributor agreement for the AW139 in Japan. The contract was signed Thursday at the Asian Aerospace exhibition in Singapore by Akira Aomura, President, Mitsui Bussan Aerospace and AgustaWestland CEO Giuseppe Orsi.

The first aircraft under this contract will be delivered in 2007.

This latest order is additional to the three AW139 helicopters already ordered by Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, of which the first example has already been delivered to Japan for customization and will soon be entering service with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police.

"We are delighted that Mitsui Bussan Aerospace has signed a contract today for 12 more AW139 helicopters, which makes it one of our largest distributors for the aircraft so far," said Orsi. "The AW139 is the best performing helicopter in the medium twin engine class and will provide Mitsui Bussan Aerospace and its customers with an exceptional aircraft."

This contract increases the number of firm orders for the AW139 to nearly 170, making it the best selling medium twin helicopter today. By early 2006 nearly 30 aircraft had been delivered to customers in Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

The AW139 is a new-generation medium twin-turbine helicopter designed with inherent multi-role capability and class leading performance. Applications for the AW139 include law enforcement, search and rescue, EMS, offshore, corporate and VIP transport.

The AW139 is capable of carrying up to 15 passengers, or eight law enforcement officers and two armed crew members for aircraft protection at high cruise speeds. Power comes from two Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C turboshaft engines with full-authority digital engine controls (FADEC), with and the Honeywell Primus Epic� avionics system with a four-axis digital autopilot and four large flat displays in the cockpit with the option for night vision goggle compatibility.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com