One of the highlights of the 6th International Helicopter Industry Exhibition, HeliRussia 2013, was the presentation of the latest multi-purpose AW139 – the first helicopter assembled in Russia by HeliVert, a joint venture between Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland.
Opening the exhibition, Minister of Industry of the Russian Federation, Mr. Denis Manturov, said: “Now we see creation of new projects, first of all a joint project with AgustаWestland.” AgustaWestland’s representatives Cesario Cacci and Alberto Ponti were decorated as Honorable Aviation Workers of the Russian Federation, in appreciation of their achievements.
During a briefing, AgustaWestland’s representatives said that the first AW139 assembled in Russia will be delivered in June to a customer who had ordered two aircrafts, the second being due for delivery in the autumn. This first order of helicopters will be made in VIP configurations and equipped with a Full Ice Protection System to enable flight in any weather conditions.
The business program of HeliRussia 2013 was also a success: on the first day of the exhibition, Exclases Group – the exclusive distributor of AgustaWestland’s helicopters in Russia and CIS countries– signed a new contract for the supply of five AW139 helicopters to be assembled in Russia. The aircrafts will be delivered both in VIP and transport versions.
In addition to the AW139, the AW119Koala was also presented at HeliRussia 2013. This helicopter has many potential uses, including as a corporate vessel, training aircraft, and for official missions, such as policing and patrolling.