South Korea-based Samsung Techwin has placed an order for two AgustaWestland AW139 medium twin helicopters. The company plans to use the helicopters for corporate and VIP transport, marking the first time the manufacturer (Booth No. 3728) has made a commercial sale in South Korea.

The contract “adds another leading operator to the list of customers who have chosen or are already operating the AW139 for corporate/VIP transport purposes,” the OEM said, adding that the sale “further expands the rapidly growing success” of that model in South Korea. Last year the Korean Coast Guard and the Gangwon Fire Department placed orders for the AW139.

AgustaWestland did not disclose the total value of the contract, but said the company has received orders for 430  AW139s from more than 100 customers in 40 countries.

In other news, AgustaWestland announced February 12 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Tata Sons to form an Indian joint venture company that will complete the final assembly, completion and delivery of the AW119 in India. AgustaWestland will market and sell the aircraft.

The first aircraft will be delivered from the new facility in 2011, and the manufacturer expects production to increase 30 percent per year to meet worldwide demand. In addition to producing helicopters for the Indian commercial market, the joint venture company will also serve as the supplier for the current reconnaissance and surveillance helicopter program of the Indian armed forces.