ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has signed a contract for an undisclosed numberof Agusta Westland AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters with Leonardo-Finmeccanica.
The signing was held in Islamabad on Wednesday in the presence of the Italian Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo, the company said in a statement.
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 operations across Pakistan. A total of 11 AW139s are already in service in Pakistan, with five aircraft operated for government’s relief and transportation duties.
Local reports suggested that the AW139s can perform a wide range of roles including government missions, law enforcement, utility and offshore transport.
The aircraft has a service ceiling of around 20,000 ft, which allows it to be used for highaltitude rescue missions. The AW139 is a 15-seat twin-engined helicopter used by some 38 countries in a variety of roles such as law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical services, disaster relief, maritime patrol and fire-fighting.