_Cancellations from Italian Register:

• 11 March 2010 - Eurocopter NEWS:   Grand Prairie, Texas - American Eurocopter is pleased to announce that three new EC135s have entered service with the MedCenter Air Program at Carolinas Medical Center.  The aircraft, which were purchased in late 2009, were completed by Metro Aviation and include state-of-the-art cockpit technology as well as the latest medical equipment. In addition to accommodating one or two litters, the EC135s are equipped with a neo-natal sled, balloon pump and liquid oxygen. "The EC135 allows us to put the patient first, both in terms of their medical needs during transport and the safe execution of the mission," said Jason Schwebach, administrative director for MedCenter Air. "The enhanced reliability of the EC135's autopilot and its single pilot IFR capability were important considerations in our choice of aircraft," continued Schwebach. "The aircraft are also equipped with the latest safety features including Night Vision Goggles, GPWS, color weather radar, satellite tracking, and redundant communication systems." The EC135 is the twin-engine platform of choice for air medical operators, accounting for 60 percent of all twin-engine air medical services deliveries over the past decade. The FenestronR tail rotor and rear clamshell doors offer the safest and easiest loading possible, while the aircraft's anti-resonance isolation system ensures that patients are given the smoothest possible ride. The EC135 offers excellent maneuverability for landing in confined areas and is environmentally friendly. "The EC135 has an extremely low noise signature and the exhaust system produces less fumes than many other helicopters," added Schwebach. "As an organization operating within the healthcare system, that was another feature that was important to us." MedCenter Air has three bases that serve parts of North and South Carolina. The helicopter fleet of four EC135s flies around 2,000 hours annually, both in on-the-scene missions and inter-facility transport. Its fleet also includes four fixed-wing aircraft and critical care ground ambulances. MedCenter Air is available to all medical facilities, EMS services, insurance companies, managed-care organizations and members of the public. The organization has won several air ambulance awards and has been CAMTS accredited since 1997.

• 08 March 2010 - Eurocopter NEWS:   Prepared for the future in Police Air Support Devon & Cornwall Police takes delivery of a new EC145 helicopter. Oxford, March 8, 2010 - On Friday 5th March the Devon & Cornwall Police took delivery of a new EC145 helicopter. This most modern machine was customised at Eurocopter UK in Oxford to meet the demanding needs of the modern police service. It is equipped with the latest aids to police reconnaissance and airborne crime fighting. Included is a state-of-the-art Infra Red camera, sophisticated video viewing and recording equipment, and night vision goggles which enable the crew to see at night almost as well as in the day. This EC145 was ordered in September 2007, after the police aviation specialists had assessed all the competition, as the finest helicopter available to serve the public of Devon and Cornwall. It replaces another Eurocopter helicopter, the earlier BK117 which has seen sterling service for over 12 years. The Devon and Cornwall Police are pioneers of police aviation in the UK and have operated helicopters in support of police activities for more than 25 years. The introduction into service of this new EC145 by the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, due to its increased load carrying capacity, represents a further major development of the use of Eurocopter products as a cost-effective and flexible application of helicopters in support of future police ground operations and strategy. It is capable of 2 crew operation, a pilot and an observer who can operate either out of the cockpit or in the cabin of the helicopter. Eurocopter products represent 75% of the UK police helicopter fleet in service and have proven to be the favourite solutions for police air support all across Europe. The EC145 is a top performer in police and homeland security missions, is also operated by the Metropolitan Police and features high commonality with its slightly smaller sister the EC135. Furthermore, it is under delivery to the U.S. Army as its new-generation Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). Markus Steinke, Managing Director of Eurocopter UK, stated, “It is a pleasure to see the UK police force community moving forward and shaping the future. Our products and services which have become the backbone of the UK air support for many decades will be ready to accompany the evolutions of our customers’ needs.”

• 08 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  Sharp Ocean Signs Contract For Two Grand New And One AW119Ke. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that its authorized distributor Sharp Ocean has signed a contract for two Grand New light twin helicopters and one AW119Ke single engine helicopter. The aircraft will be delivered to Indian private customers and used to perform VIP transport missions. This purchase marks the entrance of the Grand New into the Indian helicopter market and further strengthens the presence of AgustaWestland in the country adding its latest generation Grand to the successful range of commercial helicopters sold in India. The order further expands the presence of the world best selling light twin helicopter for VIP/corporate transport duties on the Indian helicopter market where AgustaWestland has already sold more than 20 light twin helicopters including the AW109 Power and Grand models. Furthermore, the AW119Ke single engine proves once more successful on the Indian market. AgustaWestland is proud to have been doing business in India for almost 40 years and the company has seen rapid growth in the Indian commercial helicopter market in recent years for its products. Over 30 aircraft have so far been sold including the AW119Ke single engine, the AW109 Power and the Grand light twins and the AW139 medium twin.

• 08 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  Jindal Steel & Power Ltd Takes Delivery Of An AW139 Helicopter. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Jindal Steel & Power Ltd (JSPL) of India has taken delivery of an AW139 medium twin helicopter. The aircraft configured with a 12 seat cabin will be used for corporate transport purposes in the Delhi and Chhattisgarh areas. The handover of JSPL’s AW139 further expands the presence of the world best selling helicopter in its class in the Indian helicopter market where AgustaWestland has already sold almost ten AW139s for VIP/corporate transport and offshore transport purposes. AgustaWestland’s presence in the Indian commercial helicopter market has grown strongly in recent years, with the sale of over 30 aircraft including the AW119Ke single engine, the AW109 Power and the Grand light twins and the AW139 medium twin helicopters. A new generation medium twin-turbine helicopter setting new standards against which all new medium twin are measured, the AW139 has been designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, offering unmatched performance and safety levels as well as the largest and the most comfortable cabin in its class. State-of-the-art mission equipment and outstanding performance enable the AW139 to accomplish its mission in the most demanding operating conditions. Orders for almost 460 AW139s have been placed by over 120 customers from almost 50 countries for many applications including VIP/corporate transport, offshore transport, EMS/SAR, law enforcement, fire fighting, utility and other commercial and government roles. Part of the Jindal Group, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd (JSPL) is a leading player in steel, power, mining, oil & gas and infrastructure sectors. The company, today, is the largest private sector investor in the state of Chhattisgarh. As JSPL goes about contributing to India’s growth, it is also expanding globally to become one of the most prestigious and dynamic business groups in India.

• 08 March 2010 - Eurocopter NEWS:   EADS North America delivers 100th UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter to the U.S. Army. Latest milestone marks another accomplishment for one of the most successful acquisition programs in U.S. Army aviation history. ARLINGTON, Va. and COLUMBUS, Miss., March 4, 2010 – EADS North America delivered its 100th UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter to the U.S. Army today, marking another on-time and on-budget achievement for a highly successful program that supports America’s warfighters and contributes to the nation’s homeland security. "The UH-72A Lakota program has progressed on schedule and within budget constraints,” said Col. L. Neil Thurgood, the U.S. Army’s Project Manager of the Utility Helicopter office. “The aircraft has been well received by Army aircrews and we have maintained a remarkably high operational availability rate combined with an admirable safety record. We especially look forward to fielding even more of these capable aircraft to Army National Guard units throughout the United States," he added. Delivery of the 100th Lakota occurred at American Eurocopter’s production facility in Columbus, Miss. where the twin-engine helicopter is produced. The American Eurocopter facility was significantly expanded to accommodate production of the Lakota, which created and supports hundreds of high-value aerospace jobs throughout the United States. “Delivering on our commitments to the U.S. Army has been the industry team’s number one priority since being selected for the Lakota program in June 2006,” said Sean O’Keefe, EADS North America’s CEO. “Our performance of 100 percent on-time deliveries reflects an unwavering commitment to fully support our customers’ current and future needs.” The 100th Lakota aircraft will be deployed to Germany with the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) – becoming part of this unit’s Combat Training Center and further expanding the Lakota’s mission applications. “When EADS North America and American Eurocopter decided to invest in Mississippi several years ago – Mississippians made a commitment to help these companies succeed. When the Army chose EADS North America to supply the UH-72A Lakota, EADS made a commitment to help the warfighter succeed. Today the 100th Lakota helicopter is evidence of that commitment,” said Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. “I’m extremely proud of the work they do to support America’s men and women in uniform.” The U.S. Army plans to acquire 345 Lakotas through 2016, and the service has ordered 182 of the helicopters so far, along with five H-72A versions for the U.S. Navy. Aircraft already delivered to the Army are used in missions that include medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), search and rescue, drug interdiction, VIP transport and support – with the in-service UH-72A fleet logging more than 25,000 flight hours to date at an operational readiness rate of more than 90 percent. The Navy’s five H-72A versions are utilized by the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., for the training of test pilots from the U.S. military and allied countries. “The UH-72A Lakota program is crucial to modernizing the U.S. Army’s aviation assets, and the delivery of the 100th Lakota helicopter to the Army is a significant accomplishment for the Mississippians who build these capable aircraft in the Golden Triangle,” commented Sen. Thad Cochran, the ranking member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. “This achievement proves that off-the-shelf commercial air frames can be successfully adapted for military applications at a lower cost to the taxpayer. It also reflects well on our state’s industrial capabilities and our ability to support the Armed Forces.” The UH-72A is a Defense Acquisition Category (ACAT) I major defense acquisition program for the U.S. Defense Department, and the Lakota’s service entry in 2007 marked one of the most rapid introductions of a new aircraft in the U.S. Army’s history. Deliveries of the aircraft to National Guard units allow aging OH-58 and UH-1 rotary-wing aircraft to be retired, while UH-72As assigned to the active component of the U.S. Army free up UH-60 Black Hawks for assignment to warfighting missions. “Time and again, Mississippi workers have answered the call and produced the tools our military needs to keep our country safe,” commented Sen. Roger Wicker. “The Lakota has made a substantial contribution to this important effort. The Lakota program has been delivered on time and on budget. This is a testament to the men and women who build these helicopters, as well as to the Army and EADS North America.” The Lakotas’ current basing across the continental United States and in Puerto Rico will be expanded during the coming months – along with the missions they perform – as Lakotas are deployed to Germany and the Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific. “It’s a privilege to represent the workforce that has successfully built and delivered 100 Lakota helicopters to the U.S. Army on schedule and on budget,” said Mississippi Rep. Travis Childers. “This program represents the hard work and dedication of hundreds of Mississippians, and I commend EADS for its commitment to our national security.” For their service in Germany at the Joint Multinational Training Command, the helicopters will be used to train pilots in combat engagements, and are to carry equipment that includes a Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES), a SMart On-Board Data Interface Module (SMODIM), and an electronic data manager. When deployed to the Pacific Ocean’s Kwajalein Atoll, the UH-72As will perform transport and support duties. They are to be painted in a high-visibility orange color scheme and outfitted with skid-mounted floats, a life raft and jettisonable cockpit doors for rapid egress. Production of the UH-72A averages three to four helicopters per month at the Columbus, Miss. production site, which is operated by EADS North America’s American Eurocopter business unit. The 220,000 square foot facility, located adjacent to the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, is capable of producing up to five aircraft a month. The company continues to meet its goal of creating new job opportunities in the region, with total employment reaching 250 employees as the UH-72A program attains full rate production.

• 08 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  Uttar Pradesh State Government’s Grand Helicopter Enters Service. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Uttar Pradesh State Government (India) has started operating its Grand light twin turbine engine helicopter. Configured with a six seat cabin the aircraft will be used for VIP transport purposes in the region. The delivery of the Uttar Pradesh State Government’s Grand further expands the presence of the world best selling light twin helicopter for VIP transport duties in the Indian helicopter market, where AgustaWestland has already sold more than 20 light twin helicopters including the AW109 Power and Grand models. AgustaWestland’s presence in the Indian commercial helicopter market has grown strongly in recent years, with the sale of over 30 aircraft including the AW119Ke single engine, the AW109 Power and the Grand light twins and the AW139 medium twin helicopters. The Grand has set new standards in the light twin market and has full Category A/Class 1 performance, the highest cruise speed and the largest and most comfortable cabin in the light twin class. The cabin layout is designed for maximum comfort and utilises the finest materials and craftsmanship with a range of equipment options. A wide choice of modular interiors and tailored avionics solutions makes it a suitable platform for a range of roles including corporate/VIP transport, EMS, SAR, offshore transport, law enforcement and government agency missions. Approximately 290 orders have been placed by almost 150 customers in over 30 countries.

• 04 March 2010 - Eurocopter NEWS:  Eurocopter sells seven new ‘AS 365 N3’ Helicopters to Pawan Hans. Pawan Hans Helicopters expands its fleet of Dauphin helicopters to 33 as Eurocopter and Pawan Hans take their 24-year-old relationship to new heights. Hyderabad, March 03, 2010 - INDIA AVIATION 2010 - EUROCOPTER, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer and Pawan Hans Helicopters, the largest civil helicopter operator in India, today signed a contract for seven new Dauphin AS 365 N3 helicopters. Mrs. Marie-Agnes Veve, Head of Eurocopter activities in India and Mr. Rainer Farid, VP Sales South Asia, Eurocopter presented a memento to Mr. R.K. Tyagi, Chairman & Managing Director, Pawan Hans commemorating the occasion in the presence of the Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Paful Patel and the French Ambassador, his Excellency Mr. J. Bonnafont as well as the French official delegation. “Being India’s leading helicopter operator, it is our goal to provide immaculate service to all our clients. Our experience with the Dauphin fleet so far has been very promising and we are confident that the new fleet will meet the quality standards that are hallmark for PHHL“– said Mr. R. K. Tyagi, emphasizing the long association between Eurocopter and Pawan Hans. With this new purchase, Pawan Hans expands its fleet to 33 Dauphins, thereby, confirming its position as biggest fleet operator of Eurocopter helicopters in India and largest Dauphin offshore operator in the world. Pawan Hans started operating Dauphin helicopters in India in 1986. Since then, Pawan Hans has logged over 340 142 flying hours with its fleet and over 1.58 Million landings. Pawan Hans’ fleet of helicopters is used for transportation of personnel to offshore platforms, for shuttle flights between drill barges and for transport of state officials and VIPs. It also provides charter services for tourists. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Marie-Agnes Veve said “One thing which is constant all across the world is the confidence that Dauphin operators have in the reliability of the helicopter. We cherish this trust and always strive to provide value added services to our customers. In researching future technologies, our goal is to increase safety, enhance performance and reduce operating costs while improving passenger comfort and making our helicopters more environmental friendly. We have shared a very special relationship with Pawan Hans for 24 years and have also decided to team-up and create a Joint Venture for MRO and training activities, implementing “a Dauphin excellence center” in India”. On Eurocopter’s plans for India, Mrs. Veve added, “The Indian aviation industry is witnessing tremendous growth. The aviation sector has become more receptive to new models and state of the art technology. State governments, commercial helicopter operators and leading corporates are now using our helicopters. We are receiving an increasing number of inquiries from various business houses. This is very encouraging”.

• 01 March 2010 - Italian Market NEWS:  HELITALIA CHIUDE, INIZIATO LO SGOMBERO DEGLI UFFICI. (ANSA) - FIRENZE, 23 FEB - Lo stabilimento di Sesto Fiorentino dell'impresa di elitrasporti Helitalia chiude i battenti. L'attività è stata recentemente ceduta ad Inaer, società del nord attiva nello stesso settore che ha deliberato la chiusura della sede ed il suo trasferimento a Colico, in provincia di Lecco: i 15 dipendenti impegnati a Sesto hanno cercato dapprima di scongiurare la chiusura dello stabilimento, quindi di arrivare ad un accordo con i vertici di Helitalia per ottenere compensazioni economiche o trasferimenti a sedi più vicine senza ottenere però alcun risultato. "Oggi è iniziato lo sgombero degli uffici - ha spiegato Daniele Collini della Fiom Cgil di Firenze - alcuni giorni fa avevamo avuto un incontro con i vertici di Helitalia, che avevano manifestato una certa disponibilità alle proposte dei lavoratori, i quali chiedevano trasferimenti in stabilimenti meno distanti di quello di Colico, somme compensative per il disagio di dovere andare a lavorare in Lombardia oppure buonuscite per chi volesse lasciare il lavoro. Purtroppo i vertici aziendali sono tornati sui loro passi ed oggi ci hanno comunicato il loro no a tutte le proposte dei dipendenti, costretti adesso ad uno scomodo e forzato trasferimento in un posto lontano oppure a licenziarsi. L'ultima carta che ci resta da giocare, a questo punto - ha concluso - è l'intervento della Regione, che abbiamo già chiesto, ma abbiamo poche speranze". Fonte ANSA.  

_February 2010

          _New registrations in Italy:

• 27 February 2010 - Italian Helicopter NEWS:  CON HELISKI IN VAL D'AOSTA APPUNTAMENTO ESCLUSIVO SULLA NEVE (NOTIZIARIO TURISMO VALLE D'AOSTA). (ANSA) - AOSTA, 27 FEB - Una doppia emozione: prima una salita a bordo di un elicottero con uno spettacolare sorvolo su alcune delle più belle montagne delle Alpi e poi una lunga discesa con gli sci o lo snowboard su una distesa di neve fresca. L'heliski in Valle d'Aosta, unica località in Italia in cui questa disciplina è regolamentata con una legge regionale, può offrire agli sciatori esperti un'esperienza estrema, ma in tutta sicurezza. La regione alpina attrae appassionati da tutto il mondo con i più alti e incontaminati itinerari d'Europa lungo i pendii intorno a Monte Bianco, Monte Rosa, Rutor e Cervino e con cinque basi di partenza: Valgrisenche (www.heliski-valgrisenche.it), Courmayeur (www.heliskicourmayeur.com), Gressoney-La-Trinité (www.guidemonterosa.com), La Thuile e Breuil-Cervinia (www.heliskicervinia.com). Affinché il divertimento possa far rima con sicurezza e eco-compatibilità ci sono alcune precise regole da seguire. L'heliski è consentito, a bordo di elicotteri a basso impatto ambientale opportunamente certificati, solo dal 10 gennaio al primo maggio e su itinerari definiti. Inoltre, è necessario essere accompagnati da una guida alpina o, nel caso di percorsi privi di difficoltà alpinistiche, di maestri di sci. Obbligatorio l'uso dell'Arva, l'apparecchio che consente la localizzazione di persone travolte da valanga. I vincoli non limitano le opportunità di sperimentare il freeride. Ce n'é per tutti i gusti e per tutte le tasche. Dalle discese sui numerosi ghiacciai del gruppo del Monte Bianco, con partenze anche da 4.000 metri di altitudine, alle grandi attraversate sui panettoni di neve fresca del Monte Rosa, dagli impegnativi itinerari del Rutor agli spettacolari scenari dell'alta valle del Cervino. In alcuni casi i pacchetti comprendono, a fine discesa, anche le immancabili soste in ristoranti tipici. Un 'helibattesimo', con un volo e una discesa di circa 1.500 metri di dislivello, può essere provato a un prezzo accessibile di 150-200 euro. Per i più esigenti, una giornata intera di fuori pista, con circa 4 discese e 4.000 mila metri di dislivello può costare dai 395 euro. La proposta top, riservata a chi ha ottimi livelli tecnici e fisici, ma anche un'adeguata disponibilità economica, è l'heliski raid della Valle d'Aosta: per 1.650 euro è assicurata una scorpacciata di neve per un'intera settimana che prevede dal giro del Cervino e del Monte Rosa alle discese di Gressoney, del Ruitor e qualche puntata nel gruppo del Monte Bianco. Fonte ANSA.

• 27 February 2010 - World Helicopter NEWS:  Swedish Helicopter units prepare for worldwide operations. The first Swedish AgustaWestland AW109s - locally designated Hkp15 - have been modified in Italy ready for anti-piracy operations in Africa. The helicopters will then be sent to Djibouti in Africa ready to begin operations in the Gulf of Aden in the coming weeks. The two AW109s heading to Djibouti and will operate from Swedish Navy ships including the HMS Carlskrona which will leave Sweden on March 13. One of the helicopters will be onboard, the other will be transported to Djibouti in the back of a cargo plane. 'Now we move from planning to action. It has been a lot of work to solve these issues. A commitment that the entire squadron is involved in, in various ways,' said Magnus Westerlund, director of helicopter squadron. The modifications made to the AW109s include the fitting of a sand filter and mounting brackets for ballistic protection. The other helicopters on strength will be modified later, not in Italy, but in Belgium. These helicopters are painted in green camouflage and must be prepared to operate in virtually anywhere in the world from January 2011. Apart from the operations the squadron will be involved in Swedish helicopter units are also getting ready for a major winter exercise in the area of Abisko. All three helicopter squadrons are participating from Luleå, Linköping and Ronneby. The fleet will also be involved in a major international exercise in Spain during the summer. There is a huge momentum now in terms of Swedish helicopter operations. Part of the squadron is preparing for an operation in Afghanistan using the Hkp10B (Super Puma). The aircraft will be used to provide medical services in the north of the country. The operation will begin in April 2011 and last for two years. The unit will be based at Camp Marmal, Mazar-e-Sharif. By Tony Osborne - Rotorhub.com Editorial Team

MARKET NEWS FROM HELI EXPO 2010 - HOUSTON, TEXAS

• 24 February 2010 - Eurocopter NEWS:  Air Methods Expands Fleet with Twelve Helicopters from American Eurocopter Orders eight EC130s and four AS350B3s. Houston, February 22, 2010 Heli-Expo 2010 - American Eurocopter announced that Air Methods Corporation, the world’s largest air medical transportation provider, has ordered eight EC130 and four AS350B3 helicopters. The deal was finalized during a breakfast meeting at the Eurocopter booth today. After the breakfast, American Eurocopter President and CEO Marc Paganini said, “Air Methods is a valued, long-time customer and we respect their continued commitment to the air medical industry and to incorporating advanced technology to increase the safe operation of their aircraft. We will continue to support them and work with them as they grow their company and strive for better solutions for the air medical industry and for their customers.” The order is part of an ongoing Air Method’s initiative to maintain the upgrade of its fleet despite the economic challenges throughout the country. All 12 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered this year and they will join Air Methods’ considerable fleet of 330 helicopters providing emergency medical services throughout the United States. The AS350 family of helicopters provides the air medical community with economical cost of operation, reliability and performance capabilities to meet or exceed mission requirements. The EC130 offers unique advantages to the air medical market in cabin size and operational safety features. The aircraft is equipped with dual hydraulics, dual channel FADEC, VEMD and a Fenestron tail rotor, known for its safety advantages and low noise operation. These aircraft will be completed with state-of-the-art medical interiors from Air Methods’ Product Division. Air Methods Corporation (http://www.airmethods.com) is a leader in emergency air medical transportation and medical services. The company Air Methods operates a variety of Eurocopter products, including EC130s, EC135s, EC145s, AS350s, AS365s, BK117s and BO105s and its Air Medical Services Division is the largest provider of air medical transport services for hospitals.

• 24 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  FAASA Group Takes Delivery Of Four AW119Ke Helicopters. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce that FAASA Group of Spain has taken delivery of additional four AW119Ke single engine helicopters for fire-fighting missions. The handover brings the number of AW119Kes in service with this operator to twenty units making FAASA Group one of the largest operator of this model in the world. Two of these aircrafts will be operated by Heliduero. FAASA Group operates throughout Spain, particularly in the Castilla-La Mancha, Andalucia and Castilla y León regions. The operator provided a major contribution to the 2009 fire-fighting season in Spain deploying up to sixteen AW119 helicopters. The aircraft performed impressively and achieved high reliability and effectiveness in the harsh operating environment. Now this latest the fleet expansion with the addition of four more units will ensure even greater operational capabilities. The 8-seats AW119Ke is the top-of-the-range helicopter in the single engine market and has excellent performance even in extremely hot and high operating environments. The helicopter, with a MGW of 3,150 kg (6,945 lb) with external loads is a highly effective utility helicopter and is proving its abilities in the fire-fighting role in several countries using a traditional Bambi bucket or a Simplex conformal tank. Over 190 AW119 helicopters have been ordered to date in nearly 30 countries by almost 90 customers. The AW119Ke is perfectly suited to perform several tasks including utility, fire-fighting, EMS, VIP/corporate transport, offshore transport, law enforcement and military duties. FAASA Group, one of the first operator to have chosen and introduced into service the AW119Ke and the first type operator in Europe, is one of the leading Spanish companies providing helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for fire-fighting. FAASA Group’s AW119s have accomplished several demanding fire-fighting missions thanks to the outstanding performance of this single engine type as well as to the rigorous training provided by FAASA to the personnel. FAASA Group is also present in Chile through FAASA Chile and started operating the AW119Ke in Chile in 2009. The appointment of FAASA Aviación as a new AgustaWestland service station in 2009 further expanded the number of service and spare-parts centres worldwide as part of AgustaWestland’s customer focus strategy and one of the major steps to provide ever improving support to its growing customer base.

• 24 February 2010 - Eurocopter NEWS:  TEMSCO Helicopters begins fleet upgrade program with the purchase of an AS350 B3 at Heli-Expo. Houston, February 22, 2010 Heli-Expo 2010 - From the Eurocopter booth at Heli-Expo, American Eurocopter announced that TEMSCO Helicopters has signed for an AS350 B3 helicopter as it begins a fleet upgrade program. TEMSCO’s fleet includes 56 helicopters and 39 of those are Eurocopter aircraft. “TEMSCO was one of the launch customers for the AStar in North America and they played an integral part in the development of the AS350 B3,” explained Larry Roberts, VP of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support for American Eurocopter. “This is just the first B3 in the upgrade plan and we look forward to working with them in the future as they continue to upgrade their fleet.” “We have operated AStars since 1983 and we are very comfortable with the reliability and performance of these helicopters,” said Joe Hicks, Senior Vice President of Operations at TEMSCO Helicopters. “The B3 is a workhorse and it is perfect for our fleet upgrade plans. It provides us with the extra power and performance we need, plus the added safety features including dual hydraulics and dual FADEC.” The AS350 is a powerful and reliable aircraft that has established itself with its unmatched performance, extensive mission equipment options and the safety of its multiple-redundancy system design. With built-in maneuverability, super visibility and low vibration levels in the cabin, the AS350 has earned its reputation as a true multi-mission workhorse. The hot-and-high AS350 B3 version—outfitted with a FADEC-equipped 847-shp Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 – retains the B2’s spacious cabin while boosting the speed up to 140 knots and adding extra lifting capability. TEMSCO (an acronym from the words: Timber, Exploration, Mining, Survery, Cargo Operations) was founded in 1958 in Ketchikan, Alaska. Its helicopter fleet has grown as it has expanded its operation into tourism, hospital transport, firefighting, international, and other growing markets.

• 24 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  AgustaWestland And Grupo INAER Sign MoU For Training Services. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Grupo INAER of Spain for the provision of training services for its AgustaWestland light twin and medium twin models fleet. INAER helicopter fleet boasts a large number of AgustaWestland models including more than 40 units of single and light twins such as the AW119Ke, AW109 Power, Grand and A109 series helicopters as well as more than 20 AW139 medium twin engine helicopters. Through this MoU AgustaWestland and Grupo INAER will define a complete training package for engineers and crews comprising advanced simulators activities and peculiar mission training. The training services will dramatically enhance operational effectiveness as well as safety level to the benefit of several applications such as search and rescue, emergency medical service, passenger transport and offshore transport. This MoU further strengthens the already solid partnership with INAER and will help the operator maximizing the quality and operational capabilities of their AgustaWestland products. AgustaWestland is a provider of professional training services to a wide range of commercial, military and industrial customers around the world. Operators are assured of receiving highly effective training solutions, designed to meet their requirements to achieve high levels of individual, team and collective performance and to enable customers to fully exploit AgustaWestland's high capability aircraft by use of integrated learning environments. AgustaWestland is committed to offering the best training services as essential enablers in the delivery of mission capability to operators. Grupo INAER is a leading European on-shore helicopter service provider and the AgustaWestland helicopters are used to perform various missions including public passenger transportation, Search and Rescue, EMS and fire-fighting. INAER acts as an AgustaWestland Service Centre in various European countries also including Spain, Italy, UK and France to offer on-site support services. Grupo INAER operates all over Europe and also on the International market through all its subsidiaries.

• 24 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  Era Group Inc. Signs Purchase Agreement For 10 AW139s. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Era Group Inc. has agreed to purchase 10 AW139 medium twin helicopters. These helicopters will be used to perform offshore transport missions. Era Group boasts a large AgustaWestland fleet today including 22 AW119Ke single engine, 7 AW109 Power light twin and 17 AW139 helicopters. Primarily operating in the oil-rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the company offers offshore transport, pipeline surveillance and other services also in Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil where part of its existing AW139 fleet has been redeployed. Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland said “It gives us great pleasure that Era’s decision to purchase will mark significant growth and commitment to one of the largest AW139 fleets, making it central in the service one of the world’s leading offshore oil & gas specialists. With this latest purchase AgustaWestland confirms its increasingly important presence in one of the most challenging markets and its capability to meet the very latest requirements for operators in the most relevant oil & gas exploitation regions, where the AW139 further strengthens its position as the best selling medium twin helicopter.” Charles Fabrikant, Chairman, Seacor Holdings Inc., commented “We are happy to further reinforce our already important and long established partnership with AgustaWestland. The significant expansion of our fleet of AW139s, an outstanding aircraft, will lead Era Group to achieve enhanced levels of capability to meet its operational requirements in the various regions where it supplies its services.”  State-of-the-art technology, outstanding performance, low operating costs and the only helicopter in its class to meet the latest safety standards, have made the AW139 the helicopter of choice in the medium twin market. The AW139 is a new generation medium twin-engine helicopter offering unmatched performance, capacity and safety. It meets the most stringent civil and government certification standards, including the FAA and JAA FAR/JAR Part 29 requirements. An ergonomic cockpit, excellent handling characteristics and low vibration levels significantly reduce pilot fatigue and enhance comfort. Two powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C engines with FADEC deliver a high power-to-weight ratio maximising safety in demanding operational conditions. With its power reserve, the AW139 assures Category A (Class 1) superior performance from a helipad (elevated or at ground level) at maximum take-off weight with a superior one engine inoperative capability. The standard configuration provides seating for twelve or fifteen passengers in a large and bright 8.0 m3 cabin with excellent ease of access and egress via large sliding cabin doors. Excellent payload and performance ensure unmatched productivity for offshore operations. Energy-absorbing landing gear, fuselage and seats as well as high main and tail rotor ground clearance provide added safety for the passengers and maintenance teams whilst on the ground. Over 120 customers from almost 50 countries have ordered almost 460 helicopters to perform a wide range of roles also including offshore transport, EMS/SAR, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, utility and government missions. Operating for more than 60 years, Era Helicopters LLC is at the forefront of the oil & gas industry. Era provides services in the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska and more than two dozen countries. Era also provides services to numerous other industries, including medical facilities, tourism, and government. In addition, Era provides third-party leasing with aircraft outfitted to fulfill an extensive variety of mission profiles, including personnel transport, air medical services and fire fighting.

• 23 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  Esperia Aviation Services S.p.A. Signs Contract For Four AgustaWestland Helicopters. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Esperia Aviation Services S.p.A. of Italy has signed a contract for four helicopters including two AW119Ke single engines, one Grand light twin and one AW139 medium twin. These aircraft will be used for passenger transport purposes in the country operating from its headquarters based at Rome’s Urbe Airport and Milan Linate Airport and, periodically, in Sardinia (Costa Smeralda) and North Eastern Italy (Cortina) or other captive touristic areas in Italy. This contract further strengthens the leading role played by AgustaWestland in the Italian commercial helicopter market and reinforces the relationship with the customer who already operates four Grands. Esperia Aviation Services is a leading operator in the Business Aviation segment offering executive transport and a variety of aviation services. Esperia is also involved in the development of aeronautical infrastructure to guarantee adequate solutions to meet territorial requirements. Esperia’s fleet currently consists of four AgustaWestland Grand helicopters and the company features approximately 1000 square metres areas including hangars and offices. Esperia boasts highly skilled personnel and a constantly improving fleet in order to ensure the highest standards in terms of safety, far exceeding regulations requirements, and quality for a unique transport experience.

• 23 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  Vinair Aeroserviços S.A. Orders Two Grand New Helicopters. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce that Vinair Aeroserviços S.A. of Portugal has signed a contract for two Grand New light twin engine helicopters. Vinair Aeroserviços S.A. is the launching customer for the Grand New, an evolution of the highly successful Grand helicopter, and these two aircraft will be used for corporate transport purposes. The delivery of the first Grand New helicopter is planned for summer 2010. Vinair Aeroserviços S.A. has been an AgustaWestland customer since 1999 when Vinair Aeroserviços S.A. bought an AW109 Power light twin helicopter, currently in service. This order strengthens the relationship between AgustaWestland and Vinair Aeroserviços S.A. confirming the interest of Vinair Aeroserviços S.A. in the very latest rotorcraft developments and the capability of AgustaWestland to design products at the forefront of technology. The next generation of the highly acclaimed Grand model will significantly enhance Vinair Aeroserviços S.A. operations providing unprecedented levels of advanced technology, cabin space and comfort, performance, safety and low operating costs and offering a unique flight experience for their customers. An evolution of the highly successful Grand helicopter, the Grand New features the most modern developments in avionics while retaining the outstanding Grand’s characteristics. As the first light twin helicopter on the market fully compliant with the latest advanced global positioning system-based navigation requirements for all weather operations, the Grand New offers the operators unprecedented opportunities for the exploitation of rotorcraft capabilities setting a new standard on the helicopter market in a multitude of applications. Orders for around 290 helicopters have been placed by almost 150 customers in over 30 countries worldwide, in order to perform several tasks. A leading provider of private VIP/corporate transport services Vinair Aeroserviços S.A. is provided with a mixed rotary and fix winged fleet to meet a large range of customer transport requirements connecting Portuguese ‘Cascais’ Airport to several destinations in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia.

• 22 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  AgustaWestland Unveils The Grand New. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is proud to unveil the Grand New, an evolution of the highly successful Grand helicopter. The Grand New features the very latest developments in avionics while retaining the outstanding Grand’s characteristics, its superior performance, levels of cabin space and payload only provided by larger and more expensive helicopters, low operating costs, high safety and environment friendliness standards. As the first light twin helicopter on the market fully compliant with the latest advanced global navigation satellite system-based requirements for all weather operations, the Grand New offers the operators unprecedented opportunities and exploitation of rotorcraft capabilities setting a new standard on the helicopter market in a multitude of applications. The Grand New has already received the EASA certification while FAA certification is expected to be achieved in mid 2010. Equipped with EVS (enhanced vision systems) and a Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS) for night operations, the Grand New also meets the latest NTSB/FAA recommendations for EMS operations to consider the use of an FAA-approved night vision goggle or enhanced vision system into flight programmes, when conditions and missions dictate. The Grand New will be the first type certified Light Twin (CS/JAR/FAR 27) with a new EFIS featuring Synthetic Vision. This approach enables the type to operate on helicopter-dedicated routes and it is SBAS (Satellite Based Augmentation System) capable. The Grand New features a state-of-the-art avionics package and a new glass cockpit. The new full digital avionic system for single pilot IFR, dual control configuration operation incorporates the Chelton’s Flight-Logic Synthetic Vision EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System) with FMS (Flight Management System), HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System), HITS (Highway In The Sky) and flight recording embedded functions to deliver ultimate situational awareness and groundbreaking automated flight management capabilities, reducing pilot workload and to the benefit of operational effectiveness. The Grand New is fitted with a four-axis dual duplex digital autopilot coupled with a Flight Director and with a new Radio Management System (RMS) permitting the centralized management of radio communication and navigation systems of the helicopter while the Integrated Display System (IDS) provides aircraft/engine data monitoring, crew alert and maintenance data pages. Like the previous version, the Grand New offers exceptional performance and an ample unobstructed cabin suitable for a number of versatile configurations and roles, offering room for up to six passengers or up to two stretchers plus medical attendants. Its distinctive characteristics make the Grand New the ideal platform in its category for corporate/VIP transport, offshore transport, passenger transport, EMS, SAR, harbour pilot shuttle (HPS), coastal patrol and government purposes. Thanks to these unparalleled capabilities no other light twin helicopter can claim, the Grand New proves unique in its class and ensures a quantum leap forward for both operational effectiveness and safety. Orders for around 290 Grand and Grand New helicopters, comprising the Da Vinci as a special version based on the Grand New technology specifically developed to meet the REGA requirement, have been placed by almost 150 customers in over 30 countries worldwide, in order to perform several tasks.

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• 22 February 2010 - Eurocopter NEWS:   Canada’s VIH Aviation Group orders two Eurocopter EC225 Helicopters for Offshore Oil and Gas Transportation in Australia. Houston, February 21, 2010 Heli-Expo 2010 - The VIH Aviation Group of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada today announced the purchase of two new Eurocopter EC225 long-range heavy helicopters. The new twin-turbine helicopters will support its expansions plans in the Australian offshore oil and gas sector and be flown by HNZ Cougar Helicopters Pty. Ltd., a new joint venture. “The addition of the new EC225 aircraft to our fleet signifies our commitment to the rapidly growing offshore oil and gas industry in Australia and around the world,” commented Mr. Ken Norie, President and CEO of VIH Aviation Group. “VIH is the only Canadian controlled helicopter operator offering the EC225; we have a long history of being the Canadian launch customer for Eurocopter’s products, and are proud to extend this partnership by adding the EC225 to our fleet.” The EC225 offers offshore oil and gas industry superior speed, range, payload, optimal safety and reliability. The helicopter is the latest generation of the Super Puma/Cougar family, which has flown more than 4 million flight hours. The EC225 can accommodate up to 19 passengers for offshore crew change flights. “We are extremely proud that VIH Aviation Group continues to place its confidence in Eurocopter and has chosen the EC225 for oil and gas operations. It marks the return of Cougar to the Super Puma family on which the company had accumulated such a recognized expertise in the harsh operational conditions of Newfoundland. VIH’s selection of the EC225 serves as confirmation that our product evolutions are well received by the operators and the market”, remarked Lutz Bertling, President and CEO of Eurocopter Group. The EC225 is certified to the latest JAR29 standards, the state-of-the-art avionics and autopilot system minimize the pilot’s workload and ensure crews can perform cost effective missions, with absolute confidence. The EC225 is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 2A1 turbine engines with FADEC digital engine control with dual duplex channels to ensure the highest level of reliability. More than 85 units of the EC225 family have been delivered to 25 customers in 18 countries, the majority for transportation use by the offshore oil and gas sector.

• 22 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  Bristow Group Inc. Expand Their AW139 Helicopter Fleet. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Bristow Group Inc. has placed an order for four AW139 medium-twin helicopters to be used to perform offshore transport missions. The purchase adds to the previous one for three aircraft already delivered and further strengthens Bristow’s AW139 fleet and the relationship with AgustaWestland, reinforcing the continued expansion of the AW139 in the Oil & Gas Industry. Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business Unit, AgustaWestland said “We are pleased to have signed this contract that further expands the AW139 fleet of one of the world’s largest providers of helicopter services. This order confirms customer’s reliance on the best selling medium- twin helicopter for offshore transport purposes and provides clear evidence the AW139 is proving a tremendous addition to maximize operational effectiveness”. Mark Duncan, Senior Vice President-Commercial, Bristow commented “Bristow has several commercial opportunities that either specify AW139 or that suit its superior performance capabilities. Our first AW139 is already on contract flying in the Gulf of Mexico.”  State-of-the-art technology, outstanding performance, low operating costs and the only helicopter in its class to meet the latest safety standards, have made the AW139 the helicopter of choice in the medium twin market. The AW139 is a new generation medium twin-engine helicopter offering unmatched performance, capacity and safety. It meets the most stringent civil and government certification standards, including the FAA and JAA FAR/JAR Part 29 requirements. An ergonomic cockpit, excellent handling characteristics and low vibration levels significantly reduce pilot fatigue and enhance comfort. Two powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C engines with FADEC deliver a high power-to-weight ratio maximising safety in demanding operational conditions. With its power reserve, the AW139 assures Category A (Class 1) superior performance from a helipad (elevated or at ground level) at maximum take-off weight with a superior one engine inoperative capability. The standard configuration provides seating for twelve or fifteen passengers in a large and bright 8.0 m3 cabin with excellent ease of access and egress via large sliding cabin doors. Excellent payload and performance ensure unmatched productivity for offshore operations. Energy-absorbing landing gear, fuselage and seats as well as high main and tail rotor ground clearance provide added safety for the passengers and maintenance teams while on the ground. Over 120 customers from almost 50 countries have ordered almost 450 helicopters to perform a wide range of roles also including offshore transport, EMS/SAR, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, utility and government missions. Bristow Group Inc. is a leading provider of helicopter services to the worldwide offshore energy industry and one of two helicopter service providers to the offshore energy industry with global operations. Through its subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures, the Company has significant operations in most major offshore oil and gas producing regions of the world, including the North Sea, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Nigeria, Australia and Latin America.

•  Eurocopter highlights its innovation and bluecopter® technology at Heli-Expo 2010. Houston, Texas, February 22, 2010 Heli-Expo 2010  - Eurocopter will open the door to its development labs at this year’s Heli-Expo, showcasing some of its flight proven innovation technologies. Eurocopter is thus underscoring the company’s commitment to remaining a helicopter industry leader for current and future generations of rotary-wing aircraft. The company has been at the forefront of rotorcraft technology for the past decades, focusing particularly on technologies that provide optimum benefit to the customer - be it in terms of cost efficiency, safety, or environmental compatibility. “This year’s Heli-Expo will demonstrate how our new technologies are being made ready for integration in Eurocopter’s product line, allowing our helicopters to outperform ever stricter and wider-ranging environmental and safety requirements, but as well contributing to reducing operating and maintenance costs,” stated Lutz Bertling, President and CEO of Eurocopter. “These issues have top priority for us, and we are responding with innovations that include more eco-efficient engine concepts, revolutionary main rotor blade designs that reduce noise and vibration, along with software and cockpit technologies - combined with advanced training methods - to enhance safety.” bluecopter® technology targets delivering environmental performance - The aim of the bluecopter® technology program is to develop and validate advanced technologies which offer environmental benefits for new Eurocopter aircraft. This includes improved acoustics for lower noise inside the helicopter and externally, along with a reduced C02 and NOx footprint of the helicopter over its life cycle. At its Heli-Expo 2010 exhibit booth, Eurocopter will display a new compact, high efficiency, high compression two-stroke engine called the OPOC (Opposite Piston Opposite Cylinder). This is in line with Eurocopter’s project to fly with a light single-engine helicopter powered by a diesel engine. The objective is to reach a power-to-weight ratio capable of challenging the advantages of a classic turbine, with the OPOC engine being one of the top options currently under evaluation. Eurocopter also is utilizing Heli-Expo to introduce a new method of measuring and benchmarking its helicopters in environmental performance. Based on certification data, this tool enables operators and their passengers to check the environmental rating of their helicopter. Silencing main rotors and blades to protect the environment and extend service life - Eurocopter is pursuing several methods of optimizing main rotors to reduce external noise and cabin vibrations with the goal of introducing them as soon as feasible on the company’s helicopters. One way is to change the shape of the blade, using a technology called Blue Edge™. The other is to integrate “intelligent” piezoelectric actuators into the trailing edge of the blade with a technology designated Blue Pulse™. Both Blue Edge™ and Blue Pulse™ are displayed on Eurocopter’s booth at Heli-Expo. Blue Edge™: This revolutionary main rotor blade provides a passive reduction in noise levels, using a double-swept shape that is very different from present-day blades. The aim of this program is to reduce the noise generated by so-called blade-vortex interactions (BVI), which occur when a blade impacts a vortex, created at the tip of the blade of any helicopter. A five-blade Blue Edge™ main rotor has been flying since July 2007 on an EC155 testbed, logging 75 flight hours and demonstrating noise reductions of 3 to 4 dB, as well as very good performance of the blade. With this safe and simple means of measureable noise reduction for helicopters now validated, Eurocopter is ready to move Blue Edge™ into production applications. Blue Pulse™: This piezo-active rotor control system has the primary objective of reducing noise levels generated by the interference of the rotor blade tip vortices from one rotor blade with the following blades. In addition, it will significantly reduce vibrations within the helicopter airframe, increasing passenger comfort and extending the service life of sensitive components, The control system uses three flap modules located at the trailing edge of each rotor blade. The blades’ piezoelectric actuators move the rotor flaps 15 to 40 times per second in order to completely neutralize the “slap noise” typically associated with helicopters during descent. The Blue Pulse™ technology has been flying since 2005, showing a noise reduction of up to 5 dB. Eurocopter’s evaluations with Blue Pulse™ are continuing on an EC145, while the development of a miniaturized system for production applications is advanced. Boosting safety by optimizing human-machine interface - Another aspect of Eurocopter’s Heli-Expo 2010 presence will highlight the company’s extensive efforts to make helicopters easier and safer to fly through increased crew situational awareness and systems automation. PILAS: The PILAS (Pilot Assistance System) demonstrator cockpit will illustrate new concepts in pilot assistance systems - particularly with HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) and law enforcement missions in mind. PILAS can serve as a “virtual co-pilot” to present actions that could circumvent a potentially critical situation, utilizing a synthetic vision system that displays all relevant information for terrain, obstacles, air traffic, weather and airspace use. Appareo Systems Vision 1000: Eurocopter’s emphasis on flight data monitoring and analyses will be represented at Heli-Expo 2010 by the cockpit-mounted Appareo Vision 1000 system, and the laptop-based Eurocopter Virtual Environment platform. The Appareo Vision 1000 was jointly developed by American Eurocopter, Eurocopter Canada and Appareo Systems, and it captures critical inertial and positioning data, as well as cockpit imagery (including the instrument panel, flight controls, partial exterior views and ambient audio). EVE: The EVE (Eurocopter Virtual Environment) platform reproduces a helicopter cockpit and flight maneuvers on a laptop, with the user wearing virtual reality glasses to create the feeling of total immersion into the helicopter flight environment. This technology assists in analyzing flight data in real time, and it can be coupled with the Appareo Vision 1000 system.

• 22 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  AW139 Full Ice Protection System Achieves EASA Certification. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) for the AW139 medium twin helicopter has achieved EASA Certification. This allows the AW139 to fly into known icing conditions with unprecedented all weather capabilities no other helicopters in its category can claim. FIPS Certification, achieved following an intense series of trials performed in North America, aims at completing the process that makes the multirole AW139 suitable to operate in the most diverse and harsh environment conditions. With the EASA certification received, approvals in accordance with FAA as well as TCAA (Canada) requirements are expected to be obtained soon, as the entire FIPS test campaign has been conducted since the beginning under the supervision and with the constant involvement of EASA, FAA and TCAA. The AW139 FIPS certification campaign has seen the helicopter flying both into artificial and natural ice, verifying flight characteristics and system performance. Tests in artificial icing conditions were performed with the support of a US Army CH-47 HISS (Helicopter Icing Spray System) simulating ice clouds. During trials, the FIPS system has shown outstanding efficiency in ice protection, allowing the compliance to the stringent requirements. The AW139 helicopter has also demonstrated excellent flight performance and ample margins in a wide range of demanding icing conditions, well in excess of those normally encountered by helicopters in typical operating environments. The FIPS system is available as an option, and includes ice detectors, Automatic activation system with manual back up, electrical power generators, engine intakes protection grids, heated windshield and blades (main and tail rotor). The FIPS system keeps performance and procedures for Cat.A operations unchanged, and generates no restrictions during IFR operations, therefore expanding the already impressive AW139’s operational flexibility by providing real all-weather capability, as required in a growing number of applications, including offshore, search and rescue/emergency medical service,  corporate transport and shuttle service.

• 22 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  AgustaWestland Congratulates Acher Aviation On Achieving 50,000-Hoist Operations Milestone. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, congratulates Acher Aviation (Pty) Ltd of South Africa on achieving a 50,000-hoist operations milestone on a single helicopter. This result was achieved on January 2010 when an A109K2 light twin helicopter operated by Acher Aviation for harbour pilot shuttle (HPS) duties in South Africa completed 50,000 safe hoist operations with a Breeze Eastern HS-20200 600 lb electric rescue hoist system. This A109K2 entered operational service with Acher Aviation in January 1999 and the aircraft has now totalled 10,000 flight hours, of which 25% spent in hover, and has delivered and recovered almost 106,000 individuals off ships accident and injury free by hoist or landing. The achievement confirms once more the operational effectiveness, reliability and safety ensured by the AgustaWestland light twin models for a number of applications, including HPS, SAR and EMS. A long established heritage of helicopter ship service operations with activities started around the Cape of Good Hope in 1980, Acher Aviation supplies its services in the port of Durban and Richards Bay for the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) of South Africa. Acher Aviation, whose pilots have flown in excess of 120,000 hoist operations, offers 24/7 services to and from vessels at sea and in support of harbour operations and has performed a number of SAR missions in the Indian Ocean. Transnet National Port Authority of South Africa operates one A109K2, one AW109 Power and just introduced is a Grand light twin helicopter for its Harbour Pilot Shuttle (HPS) service. This Grand will perform marine pilot transfer operations, search and rescue missions, emergency medical evacuation and general support to international shipping. The selection of the Grand by TNPA is a further confirmation of its continued satisfaction with AgustaWestland products delivering outstanding performance, mission capabilities and safety for this critical and demanding mission.

• 16 February 2010 - Italian NEWS:  ENAIP PIEMONTE, NUOVI CORSI DI FORMAZIONE PER TECNICI ELICOTTERISTI. NOVARA. Nell’ambito del progetto del Polo Formativo “Innovazione Aerospazio” è in fase di attivazione un percorso IFTS (Istruzione e Formazione Tecnica Superiore) gratuito di TECNICO SUPERIORE PER LA MANUTENZIONE DEGLI AEROMOBILI, sulla manutenzione di elicotteri. Nei giorni sabato 13, 20 e 27 febbraio, alle ore 11, presso l’ITIS Fauser di Novara, in Via Ricci 14, ci sarà la presentazione pubblica del corso. La progettazione del corso ha tenuto in forte considerazione le esigenze delle aziende del territorio, che hanno contribuito in modo attivo alla definizione della figura professionale e delle competenze che saranno ad essa trasferite. Il progetto si inserisce in un quadro nazionale mirato all’innalzamento della cultura tecnica di base dei futuri manutentori aeronautici. Destinatari dell’intervento formativo sono giovani e adulti in possesso di diploma, ma l’accesso è consentito anche a coloro che sono in possesso dell’ammissione al quinto anno dei percorsi liceali, nonché coloro che non sono in possesso del diploma, previo accreditamento delle competenze acquisite in precedenti percorsi di istruzione, formazione e lavoro. Il percorso avrà una durata pari a 800 ore con 240 ore di stage aziendale. Il Tecnico Superiore per la manutenzione degli aeromobili nell’occuparsi della manutenzione degli elicotteri svolge le seguenti azioni: Riconosce le caratteristiche generali degli elicotteri e dei loro sottoinsiemi. Controlla e valuta l’andamento dei dati sullo stato di funzionamento delle aeromobili ad ala rotante e l’efficacia degli interventi, adottando gli opportuni provvedimenti. E’ in grado di valutare situazioni di rischio ed indicare le misure di primo intervento ai fini del loro contenimento. Ha conoscenza di tutti gli strumenti tecnologici per la manutenzione. Deve possedere una chiara visione della normativa di riferimento e di quando è il caso di ricorrere ai responsabili di settore. Il corso è inteso come preparazione all’inserimento in aziende di manutenzione di velivoli ad ala rotante con la possibilità di accedere durante il periodo lavorativo a corsi di specializzazione interni per ottenere dopo i relativi esami la Licenza di manutentore aeronautico ENAC part 66.

  Sede di svolgimento prevista: ITIS "G. FAUSER" Via Ricci 14 – Novara - Per informazioni: CSF Enaip Oleggio - viale Paganini 21- Tel. 0321.94440- csf-oleggio@enaip.piemonte.it - ITIS "G. FAUSER" Via Ricci 14 – Novara - Tel. 0321. 482411 - Prescrizioni on line sul sito http://www.enaip.piemonte.it/html/poliformativi_2010/tec_sup_ala_rotante.html e sul sito http://www.poloaerospazio.it/

• 16 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  AgustaWestland and Tata Sons Establish a Joint Venture Company. New Dehli – 16th February 2010. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Tata Sons have signed a Shareholders’ Agreement for the formation of an Indian joint venture company which will establish in India a final assembly line for the AW119 helicopter for the worldwide market. The agreement was signed in New Delhi today by Mr. Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland and Mr. Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons. The joint venture company will be responsible for AW119 final assembly, completion and delivery while AgustaWestland will retain responsibility for worldwide marketing and sales. The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered from the new facility in 2011 with production forecast to rise to 30 aircraft per year to meet worldwide demand. Mr. Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland speaking after the signing ceremony said "It gives us great pleasure to have achieved this important agreement with such a leading industrial partner in India. The establishment of a Joint Venture to set up an AW119 assembly line in India will provide extraordinary industrial opportunities both in the country and worldwide through the synergies generated by AgustaWestland and Tata Sons capitalizing upon the depth of their respective resources. We are committed to enabling Tata Sons to play an increasing role as an aerospace enterprise and to jointly exploiting future prospects in the growing Indian helicopter market.” It is envisaged that the joint venture company would be a supplier for the current Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopter (RSH) programme of the Indian Armed Forces, for which AgustaWestland has already proposed the AW119 to be manufactured in India. Additionally, AgustaWestland and Tata Sons are exploring further commercial, technical and industrial collaboration opportunities in the rotorcraft industry to strengthen their .strategic relationship. 

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• 16 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  Bangladesh Navy Orders Two AgustaWestland AW109 Powers. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the award of a contract by the Bangladesh Navy for two AW109 Power maritime helicopters. The helicopters will be used for a wide range of naval missions including search and rescue, economic zone protection, surface surveillance and maritime security. The aircraft will be delivered in 2011 and will be capable of being operated from the frigate BNS Bangabandhu. The contract also includes a comprehensive training package including VFR/IFR conversion for aircrew, initial operational maritime training using an AW109 Power Level-D flight simulator and training for maintenance engineers. Graham Cole, Managing Director, AgustaWestland said “We are delighted that the Bangladesh Navy has selected the AW109 Power to meet its maritime helicopter requirements after a thorough evaluation of all available platforms. We look forward to delivering the helicopters and the comprehensive training and support solution we have tailored specifically to meet the requirements of the Bangladesh Navy.” The AW109 Power is a 3 ton class eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW206C engines with FADEC. The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles. The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines. The AW109 Power has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions. The AW109 Power’s superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its class. For shipboard operations the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures. The ability to operate from small ships in high sea state enables the AW109 Power to perform its mission when many others helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar. Over 550 AW109 Power and AW109 LUH helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries.

• 15 February 2010 - Italian HEMS NEWS:  Bologna - 18 Gennaio 2010: primo atterraggio dell'eliambulanza sulla pista del Maggiore. Bologna. Sabato scorso, sulla pista al 16° piano dell’edificio D dell’Ospedale Maggiore, vi è stato il primo atterraggio dell'eliambulanza .La pista è operativa dal 13 gennaio dopo aver ricevuto le necessarie autorizzazioni da parte di ENAC, Ente Nazionale Aeronautica Civile, Ministero dell'Interno e Vigili del Fuoco La pista sopraelevata, unica in Emilia Romagna, è intitolata a Maurizio Pezzorgna, pilota comandante che ha avviato nel 1986 il servizio di elisoccorso a Bologna.  700 metri quadrati a 60 metri di altezza sorretti da 7000 tonnellate di acciaio, quante quelle utilizzate per la costruzione della Tour Eiffel, la pista di atterraggio sopraelevata, consente un più rapido arrivo del paziente nella rete di servizi dell'Ospedale Maggiore dedicati al trattamento acuto, Pronto Soccorso, Trauma Center, Emodinamica per angioplastica primaria, Stoke Unit.  Da qui, inoltre, possono decollare le eliambulanze per il trasferimento di pazienti verso centri ospedalieri specialistici. L’intervento di sabato ha riguardato un signore di 47 anni, caduto da 2 metri di altezza a San Matteo della decima. La chiamata al 118 è giunta alle 16.00 e alle 16.47 il signore era già assistito al Pronto Soccorso dell’Ospedale Maggiore di Bologna. Le sue condizioni non destano preoccupazione. Nell’eliambulanza erano presenti oltre al pilota, un medico e due infermieri. Lo scorso anno, l'eliambulanza (un BK117 C1 che può trasportare contemporaneamente due feriti) ha volato per 377 ore compiendo 795 missioni, 750 delle quali per interventi primari dove l'eliambulanza è il primo mezzo di soccorso ad intervenire direttamente sul luogo dell'incidente. Fonte: SabatoseraOnline.it

• 15 February 2010 - Italian Helicopter NEWS:  VALLE D'AOSTA: 44 MLN PER SERVIZI ELICOTTERI. (ANSA) - AOSTA, 29 GEN - E' stato firmato il contratto per i servizi con elicotteri tra la Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta ed il raggruppamento temporaneo di imprese Air Green e Helops. Lo ha comunicato in una nota l'amministrazione regionale. Il contratto ha una durata di cinque anni, un valore stimato complessivo di quasi 44 milioni di euro e prevede l'erogazione dei servizi con elicottero per l'effettuazione di operazioni di emergenza, di eliambulanza, di ricerca e soccorso in montagna e per lo svolgimento di attività, gestite dalla Regione, a supporto dei cantieri in alta quota (lavoro aereo e trasporto del personale). "Restano sostanzialmente inalterate - è spiegato nella nota - le caratteristiche peculiari del servizio caratterizzato dalla disponibilità di due elicotteri tutti i giorni dell'anno, dall'alba al tramonto e dalla presenza aggiuntiva di un ulteriore aeromobile per le effettuazioni di lavoro aereo nel periodo maggio-ottobre. Come già in passato sono garantiti elevati standard di sicurezza, elevati requisiti professionali dei piloti e dei tecnici chiamati ad effettuare i turni operativi e gli aggiornamenti periodici e specifici di tutto il personale impiegato nel servizio (piloti, tecnici, medici, tecnici del Soccorso Alpino Valdostano)". Il nuovo capitolato di appalto prevede la sostituzione del secondo elicottero di elisoccorso con un aeromobile plurimotore con maggiori prestazioni operative, "tali da renderlo idoneo anche all'effettuazione di missioni di volo notturno alle quote delle elisuperfici che saranno presto realizzate nell'ambito del territorio regionale". La graduale attivazione del volo notturno consentirà l'implementazione del servizio medico d'urgenza con una capacità di intervento 24 ore su 24. Fonte: ANSA Valle d'Aosta.

• 15 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  Shenzhen Public Security Bureau Orders An AW139 Helicopter. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen has ordered one AW139 medium twin helicopter. This aircraft will be used to perform a number of roles also including law enforcement, civil protection/disaster relief, transport and control missions across the Province. The AW139 has been selected thanks to its outstanding performance, operational capabilities, safety and ease of maintenance following a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process for the supply of a new helicopter to serve the Shenzhen community. This aircraft, the second AW139 ordered in China for law enforcement duties following the one purchased by the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, adds to the AW109 Power light twin already in service with the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen confirming the reliance of this customer on AgustaWestland products. The Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen province has a requirement for additional helicopters and the addition of this AW139 is another step to enhance public security capabilities and operational effectiveness through the acquisition of modern platforms. This latest contract confirms AgustaWestland products as the civil helicopters of choice for law enforcement and public utility duties in China, and further expands the already relevant presence in this market where the company boasts a 90% share of the police helicopter fleet, having found a rapidly growing success with other sales logged for the AW119Ke single engine, the AW109 Power and the AW139 models. Law enforcement operators in China using AgustaWestland helicopters include Shenzhen Beijing, Nanning, Zhengzhou and Dalian Public Security Bureau.

• 02 February 2010 - Eurocopter NEWS:   Eurocopter soars to greater heights in Asia. Singapore, 2 February 2010 - Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, today announced that in 2009, it recorded a turnover growth of 58 per cent in Asia to reach €896 million. The business also maintained a stable booking value over the last few years in Asia to achieve €504 million in 2009. The most popular helicopters of Eurocopter’s range are on display at the Singapore Airshow – the EC120, EC130, EC135, AS 350 B3, NH90 TTH and the EC725. Eurocopter in 2009 recorded a turnover of €4.6 billion globally, of which €896 million was accounted by Asia. This marks a turnover growth of 58 per cent for Eurocopter in the region. Dr Lutz Bertling, CEO of Eurocopter said, “Despite the global economic challenges, there have been many opportunities and achievements in Asia and it plays a critical component in Eurocopter’s success. This region is home to half of Eurocopter’s subsidiaries and is a top performing region for us. We are confident of Asia’s growth prospects and look to grow our business in tandem with the region’s development.” Over the last few years, Eurocopter has maintained a stable booking value in Asia, and continuing in its growth path in 2009, the booking value stood at €504 million. In 2009, however, there was a decline in light range helicopters, but a greater demand for larger helicopters– a trend reflected in Asia, as it is for the rest of the world. Eurocopter has developed over 40 years of presence in Asia an integrated trans-national industrial networks across the region. It has, for example, been in partnership with the Korea Aerospace Industry (KAI) in the Korean Helicopter Program. Eurocopter has also partnered the Aviation Industry of China (AVIC) in the development of the EC175/Z15. Both programs are on cost, on performance and on schedule. In 2009, the notable achievements for Eurocopter in Asia are as follows: - The inauguration of Eurocopter’s first Customer Service Centre in Hong Kong (February) - The purchase in Japan of a majority share in EuroHeli (80%) and in All Nippon Airways Helicopter Maintenance ( 60%) respectively in April and June - The roll out of the first prototype of the Korean Utility Helicopter (July) - The maiden flight of the EC175 (December), four years after start of development - The opening of a subsidiary branch in Thailand (December) - The signature of a Memorandum of Understanding for the development of a new MRO in Malaysia (December). Commenting on the 2009 achievements, Dr Lutz Bertling added, “We have made significant steps in growing our presence in Asia. We will continue with that along with a specific target to be closer to our customers in this region.” In 2010, Eurocopter intends to achieve the following: - The inauguration of an MRO in Malaysia and an EC725/EC225 simulator - The start of EC725/EC225 tail boom manufacturing by PTDI of Indonesia - The transfer of Eurocopter Southeast Asia headquarters to a larger facility in Seletar.

  

• 01 February 2010 - AgustaWestland NEWS:  Ministries Of Finance And Interior Of Bulgaria Order Two AW109 Power Helicopters To Meet Border Police Requirement. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Ministries of Finance and Interior of Bulgaria have ordered two AW109 Power light twin helicopters to meet the latest helicopter requirement for the Bulgarian Border Police. The main mission of the helicopters, which are procured under the Schengen Facility programme funds, is to provide a reliable air surveillance capability on the outer EU borders, since Bulgaria is expected to be a Schengen Zone Member starting from March 2011. The AW109 Powers will be used to perform border patrol missions. This contract further expands the presence of this type in Bulgaria adding to an AW109 Power already purchased by the Bulgarian Border Police and the AW139 recently bought by this operator confirming the success of the AgustaWestland law enforcement-dedicated product range in the country. Thanks to the AW109 Power's outstanding features, the Bulgarian Border Police will perform a major step forward in providing policing assistance from the air in the country. These AW109 Powers will be equipped with an impressive range of state-of-the-art avionics and mission-dedicated equipment also comprising NVG-compatible cockpit, moving map, weather radar, FLIR, digital video downlink and video recorder, mission console, searchlight, emergency floats, rescue hoist, external loudspeaker. The ability to change the interior configuration provides exceptional versatility to support the different law enforcement roles. With a maximum cruise speed of 154 kts (285 Km/h) and a range of 512 nm (948 km), the AW109 Power offers superior rapid reaction capabilities, surveillance area coverage and in-flight endurance. The AW109 Power law enforcement is designed to perform a wide range of security duties to meet the changing demands of law enforcement: patrol, surveillance and tactical operations, state border control, counter terrorism, search and rescue, armed interdiction and other homeland security missions. Numerous law enforcement and security agencies around the world have chosen the AW109 Power to fulfil their requirements in various countries also including Japan, China, Italy, the USA, Latvia, Chile, Slovenia. Over 470 helicopters have been sold in almost 50 countries worldwide to date to perform several missions also including law enforcement, EMS, VIP/corporate transport, harbour pilot shuttle.

_January 2010
 

                        _New registrations in Italy: