Italy is to supply Albania with 10 more helicopters, having already supplied four Agusta-Bell AB206 JetRangers. The Albanian air force will receive three AB206s and seven Agusta-Bell AB205s. The initial JetRangers are operational at Albania's Farka air base near the capital, Tirana.
The helicopters are being used to enhance the Albanian armed force's transport capacity, which has been reliant on Chinese-built, and probably non-airworthy, Mil- Mi-4 Hounds and small numbers of Western types. The machines will also be used for humanitarian and emergency operations, equipped for search and rescue.
Meanwhile, the Albanian air force and Turkey are completing the renovation of the base at Kucova in southern Albania. Renovation of the runway, emergency runway, taxiways and access roads is due to be completed this month.
Source: Flight International