AW139 Delivered Monday

The Estonian Police and Border Guard has taken delivery of its third AW139 medium twin helicopter, according to a news release from AgustaWestland. This aircraft will perform search and rescue, border patrol, medical missions and utility duties to support the community. The handover was performed during an official ceremony held at Tallinn Airport Monday in the presence of Estonian Minister of the Interior Marko Pomerants, Secretary General Tarmo Türkson, Director General of the Police and Border Guard Board Raivo Küüt, Head of Police and Border Guard Aviation Group Allan Oksmann, Italian Ambassador Rosa Maria Chicco Ferraro and other dignitaries.

"It gives us great pleasure to deliver the third AW139 following the successful introduction into service of the initial two aircraft," said Ugo Rossini, AgustaWestland VP Head of Europe. "The Estonian Police and Border Guard operational capabilities will now be enhanced to even better serve the nation."

All three AW139s are based in Tallinn, however, one aircraft will be deployed to a new base at Kuressaare Airport (Saaremaa Island) once all this third aircraft achieves operational readiness. The deployment of an aircraft to Kuressaare Airport will enable faster response times in the Western area of Estonia. These helicopters ensure that the work of guarding the external borders and the border control infrastructure are in compliance with the European Schengen zone requirements.

Since the start of operations in October 2007, the first Estonian Police and Border Guard AW139s have successfully accomplished a number of search and rescue and patrol missions in demanding conditions, dramatically enhancing operational effectiveness and border security.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com