Business & GA

AGUSTA ORDER

The government of Egypt has placed an order with AgustaWestland for three AW109 Power light twin helicopters. The helicopters will be operated by the Egyptian air force to perform emergency medical services on behalf of the ministry of health. Meanwhile, Indonesian carrier Pudjiastuti Aviation - also known as Susi Air - has ordered one AW119 Ke single-engined and one Grand light twin helicopter. These are the first helicopters to be ordered by Susi Air. They will be used for passenger and cargo transport, pilot training and flight surveying.

BELL TOLLS

Cessna has reached an agreement with sister company Bell to use its European parts distribution facility at Amsterdam Schiphol airport in an effort to improve availability of parts support for its customers on the continent as well as the Middle East and Africa. Using the Amsterdam facility will speed up parts deliveries from Wichita to Europe by up to 36h and makes same-day aircraft-on-ground response possible.

TESTING COMPLETE

Light aircraft developer Terrafugia has completed flight-testing of its proof-of-concept aircraft, the Transition, three months after the two-seat light sport aircraft took to the skies for the first time. The "roadable" aircraft - dubbed the Flying Car - made 29 flights, says Woburn, Massachusetts-based Terrafugia "and has now completed the first of a four-stage process to bring the Transition into production". The second phase of development is under way, with work on the beta prototype already in progress. First deliveries are earmarked for 2011.

MALTA'S DIAMOND

A new training school has opened its doors at Malta international airport. Diamond Flight Training will operate a Diamond DA40Tdi and a DA20 piston single and is targeting the North African market.

EVOLUTION EVOLVES

Lancair flew its piston-engine Evolution for the first time on 3 June. The Textron Lycoming TEO-540-A-powered aircraft cruises at 270kt (500km/h) and has a maximum payload of 485kg (1,070lb). A Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-135A-powered version of the four-seat pressurised aircraft is also available and set to start a demonstration tour of the USA this month, says the Redmond, Oregon-based company.