Pakistan continues helicopter fleet renewal with order for additional AW139s
Leonardo announced at DSA 2018, happening this week, that the Government of Pakistan will introduce into service an undisclosed number of additional AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters. The aircraft will be used to perform utility, passenger transport and emergency medical service operations across the nation. The helicopters will be delivered in early 2019.
This latest fleet expansion is a further step towards the completion of a fleet renewal programme spread over several batches and highlights the success of the AW139. Leonardo is also delivering logistic support and training services for the growing fleet of AW139s in Pakistan. A significant number of AW139s are already in service in Pakistan, with several operated by the Pakistan Government for EMS/SAR, relief and transport duties. The AW139 is the perfect fit to Pakistan’s challenging operational environment, delivering outstanding capabilities and hot & high performance unmatched by any other helicopter type in the same class.
The new generation AW139 has outstanding one engine inoperative capabilities, even in hot and high operating conditions, making it ideally suited to operate in harsh high temperature and high altitude environments. The AW139 delivers significant power index margins in the most demanding conditions, demonstrated flights up to 20,000ft, high cruise speed (165kts), and is able to carry up to 15 passengers or a mix of dedicated mission equipment, litters and medical attendants in its spacious unobstructed cabin for transport and rescue operations.
Its modern, support-oriented design delivers significant through life maintenance and operating cost savings, as well as high mission effectiveness and availability compared to older competing models. The advanced integrated cockpit minimises pilot workload, allowing the crew to concentrate on mission objectives.
More than 300 customers, including military operators, from over 70 countries have ordered in excess of 1000 AW139 helicopters making it the best-selling helicopter in its class. The AW139 can perform a wide range of roles including government missions, EMS, SAR, executive/private and government transport. More than 900 units are in service and have logged in excess of two million flight hours.
