AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the official handover of three AW139 helicopters to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) during a ceremony held today at AgustaWestland Malaysia’s facility near Kuala Lumpur. In the presence of Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin Yassin, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, the aircraft were handed over by AgustaWestland to Admiral Maritime Datuk Mohd Amdan bin Kurish, Director General of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. The aircraft will be used to perform search and rescue, coastal patrol and law enforcement duties around Malaysia’s extensive coast line.
AgustaWestland Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of AgustaWestland, will also provide support and maintenance services for the MMEA’s AW139 fleet. The MMEA signed a contract for these AW139s plus options for additional aircraft in October 2008, marking the entrance of the AW139 helicopter into the Malaysian government market following earlier success for the aircraft in the Malaysian commercial market. Two AW139s were also delivered to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) in April 2010. The MMEA adds to the growing number of customers who have placed orders or are already operating the AW139 for homeland security, maritime patrol and search and rescue type missions. Customers also include agencies in Japan, South Korea, the UK, Italy, Spain, Estonia, Cyprus, UAE and USA.
Giacomo Saponaro, Senior Vice President International Government Business Unit, AgustaWestland said “We are very proud to hand over to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency today three AW139s and look forward to the aircraft entering service and serving the people of Malaysia. The best selling AW139 will provide a significant enhancement to the MMEA’s capabilities to patrol, protect and save lives around Malaysia’s extensive coast line. We are hopeful that the success of the AW139 in service will lead to a further expansion of the AW139 fleet.”
A new generation medium twin-turbine helicopter setting new standards against which all new medium twins 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 cabin in its class. With a maximum cruise speed of 165 kts (306 km/h), a maximum range of 573 nm (1061 km) and over 5 hours endurance, the AW139 helicopter offers class leading mission capability. State-of-the-art mission-dedicated technology and equipment and outstanding performance features enable the AW139 to accomplish the most demanding operations in the harshest weather and environmental conditions.
The MMEA’s AW139 are fitted with latest mission equipment including a FLIR, NVG compatible cockpit and a 4-axis Automatic Flight Control System with SAR modes. Orders for almost 490 AW139s have been placed by nearly 140 customers from approximately 50 countries for a wide range of applications including EMS/SAR, law enforcement, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, fire fighting, utility and other commercial and government roles.
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Jimmy Tan
