AgustaWestland last month announced that its sales in India are growing, with seven deliveries last year (not all new rotorcraft), four planned this year and another 12 over the 2008-2009 period. In addition, Hindustan Construction has ordered a second Bell/Agusta BA609 Tiltrotor. Hong-Kong-based Sharp Ocean is now AgustaWestland’s distributor for India, Sri Lanka and The Maldives.
Meanwhile, Eurocopter announced HAL is boosting production of license-built Ecureuils. The Marignane, France-based manufacturer also said it is “discussing opportunities” for long-term industrial cooperation with the Indian aerospace industry, especially in 10-ton-class helicopters. During the Aero India 2007 show, Eurocopter announced the sale of two EC 120s to Apoorva Aviation, a newly formed flying school in Bangalore.