Following the first Bell/Agusta AB139 delivery to Helilario, production is now ramping up to meet deliveries to international customers later this year. The company said it already has a “sizable” order book for the helicopter, corresponding to two years of production. Preparation of AB139 customer-support and training activities is on target to meet introduction-into-service dates. International customer-service centers will provide spare parts, tools and maintenance services, while customers will be supported with training programs using computer-based curricula, flight simulators and maintenance-training devices.

Following the selection of the AB139 for the U.S. Coast Guard Deepwater program, Bell/Agusta claims that “a number” of U.S. and international government agencies are now showing interest in the helicopter, which is seen as a successor to the utility Bell 212/412.