AgustaWestland kicked off what is expected to be a bonanza of sales activity this week by announcing contracts for new helicopters worth an estimated $163 million, as well as additional orders worth at least $278 million that fulfill past contracts and distribution agreements.

Orders for the AW139 accounted for more than half of the new contracts’ total value, giving credence to AgustaWestland CEO Giuseppe Orsi’s claim that the twin-turbine helicopter has “significantly contributed to the success” of the company. He added that revenue from the sale of AW139s and aircraft deliveries have both increased in the past year. Orsi made the remarks at the opening of the new AW139 assembly line in Philadelphia last week.

AgustaWestland distributor Scandinavian Aircraft Marketing placed the largest order here at Heli-Expo 2008, with a memorandum of understanding for the purchase of five AW139s worth an estimated $49 million. Turkish air transport company Kaan Havacilik signed the second largest contract, worth an estimated $33 million–for one AW119 Ke, one AW109 Power, three Grand light twins and one AW139.

The Netherlands police agency, the Korean government, JSC Euro-Asia of Kazakhstan and YTL Corp. of Malaysia each placed orders for AW139s, while Kaigai Aviotech Corp. ordered one AW119 Ke and an AW109 Power light twin. Malaysian AgustaWestland sales representative Solaire signed a contract for one Grand light twin.

Orders placed as part of existing contracts and distribution agreements include an $87 million contract for 13 helicopters by UK-based Sloane Helicopters, a $72 million contract for 10 helicopters by Brazilian company Synergy Aerospace and a $68 million contract for nine helicopters by Australian service and flight training provider Heliflite. Sharp Ocean of Hong Kong also placed an order for five helicopters worth an estimated $29 million, King Express Group ordered three helicopters and United Industries International ordered one AW139 as part of its distribution agreement.