Leonardo-Finmeccanica announced that Government of Pakistan has signed a contract for an undisclosed number of AgustaWestland AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters. The signing was held in Islamabad in presence of the H.E. Italian Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo.

The contract is part of a fleet renewal programme spread over several batches including a logistic support and training package. The AW139s, deliveries of which are expected in 2017, will be used to perform search and rescue across the nation.

This contract marks a significant achievement for Leonardo-Finmeccanica in Pakistan, further expanding the already successful presence of the AW139 helicopter in-country. A total of 11 AW139s are already in service in Pakistan, with 5 aircraft operated for Government relief and transportation duties.

The AgustaWestland AW139 is a 15-seat medium-sized twin-engined helicopter developed and produced principally by AgustaWestland. It is marketed at several different roles, including VIP/corporate transport, offshore transport, fire fighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical service, disaster relief, and maritime patrol. In addition to AgustaWestland’s own manufacturing facilities in Italy and the United States, the AW139 is produced in Russia by HeliVert, a joint venture between AgustaWestland and Russian Helicopters.