AgustaWestland logged a cluster of new helicopter sales on the eve of the Farnborough International Airshow. In Japan, two AW139 medium twins have been ordered for fire-fighting roles, one by the Fire Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) and the other by the city of Yokohama. The FDMA should receive its aircraft in 2013, equipped with a belly tank and bambi bucket, while

Yokohama city will take delivery of its AW139 in March next year, sporting only a belly tank. These orders bring to five the number of fire-fighting AW139s purchased in Japan during the past 18 months.

In Europe, the Italian police have ordered two AW139s. They are partly funded by the European Union’s Frontex program for EU border management. The contract includes support, as well as crew and maintenance technician training.

An option for another six helicopters could be exercised by early next year. The two helicopters on firm order are to be delivered in 2013. They will operate from Pratica di Mare Airbase, close to Rome.

In South America, AgustaWestland has sold an AW169 medium twin for corporate/VIP missions. This brings to eight the number of helicopters ordered, for such applications, in Brazil and Venezuela. Deliveries of the in-flight-test type are to begin in 2015.

In Russia, a government security agency is to receive three AW139s next year. In the U.S., the New Jersey State Police has just been handed over its fifth and final AW139. These aircraft were assembled at the airframer’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania factory.