Includes Options For "Several" Additional Rotorcraft

AgustaWestland announced this week the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has signed a contract for three AW139 medium twin engine helicopters plus options for "several" additional aircraft. These helicopters will be used to perform search and rescue, coastal patrol and law enforcement duties around Malaysia's extensive coast line.

This order marks the entrance of the AW139 helicopter into the Malaysian government market, and follows the earlier success of the aircraft in the Malaysian commercial market. The MMEA adds to the growing number of customers which have placed orders for or are already operating the AW139 for homeland security, maritime patrol and search and rescue missions, including the Japan Coast Guard, Korean Coast Guard, Spanish Marine Safety Agency (Sasemar), Estonian Border Guard, UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Italian Coast Guard.

AgustaWestland says the twin-turbine AW139 has been designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, offering unmatched performance and safety levels as well as the largest cabin in its class. With a maximum cruise speed of 165 kts, a maximum range of 573 nm and over 5 hours endurance, the AW139 helicopter offers class leading mission capability.

Orders for more than 400 AW139s have been placed by over 100 customers from around 40 countries for several applications including EMS/SAR, law enforcement, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, fire fighting, utility and other commercial and government roles.

Following the recent establishment of its Malaysian subsidiary AgustaWestland Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the company continues to expand its presence in Malaysia to get closer to its customers offering total capability solutions. A new regional maintenance and support center was set up earlier this year, located at Kuala Lumpur's Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com, www.mmea.gov.my/mmeaBI/