Helicopters

AgustaWestland and consulting group The European House-Ambrosetti have launched a study into the development of a civil helicopter transportation system within the framework of a future national integrated transport plan for Italy. The results are scheduled for publication within 12 months.

Speaking at the study's unveiling earlier this month at Cernobbio on Lake Como, AgustaWestland chief executive Giuseppe Orsi said the programme will involve the participation of all players involved in the civil and military air transportation field including administrators, regulators and end-users.

This will help to create a framework for the medium to long term for infrastructure and heliport development and ultimately enhance the national transportation system through the use of helicopters.

"Although the rotary-wing platform is as safe and comfortable as a fixed-wing [aircraft] and is faster on distances up to 500km (270nm) with comparable price with extra-urban ground transportation, the current regulations and infrastructure limit helicopter transportation development," says Orsi. The study should help to "eliminate these obstacles", he says.