AgustaWestland and Russian Helicopters have formed a joint venture to establish an assembly line Tomolino, near Moscow for the AW139 medium twin helicopter.

Under the banner HeliVert, the two companies plan to break ground on the new facility in the third quarter and begin helicopter assembly in 2011.

First deliveries of the 15-seat utility aircraft - which is poised to begin a demonstration tour around Russia - are earmarked for 2012. AgustaWestland has also clinched its first Russian AW139 order from pilot training provider and helicopter distributor HeliClub and has appointed maintenance provider Aerosouz as its first Russian authorised service centre.

Separately, the Italian coastguard has taken delivery of its first of four AW139s, which is the 300th of the type delivered to date.

Italian coastguard AW139 

 © AgustaWestland

Source: Flight International