Maritime Safety Administration Of China Takes Delivery Of Two Grand Helicopters

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) of China has taken delivery of two Grand light twin helicopters during an official ceremony held at AgustaWstland's Vergiate facility in Italy today. The MSA is responsible for monitoring all inland and coastal waters and these two helicopters will be dedicated to controlling and fighting water pollution. The aircraft will also be based aboard the MSA's new large vessels performing missions in the Guangdong province, Southern China. The contract also includes an option for an additional two aircraft to be exercised next year.

Giuseppe Orsi, Chief Executive Officer, AgustaWestland said “We are delighted to deliver these two helicopters to the MSA, marking another major success for AgustaWestland in the increasingly important Chinese commercial helicopter market. As additional vessels on order are completed for the MSA, further expansion of its helicopter fleet will be required and we are committed to offering the best solutions to meet future customer requirements”.

The Grand helicopter was selected following the evaluation of the responses to an international tender issued by the Ministry of Telecommunications of China, to whom the MSA reports. The Grand was chosen for its class leading operational capabilities and performance in the maritime role. AgustaWestland has already sold almost 30 helicopters in China and sees growing future business opportunities in the country where it aims to establish itself as the market leader in the light and medium twin commercial markets. The Grand is a top-of-the-range light twin helicopter offering high performance capabilities, space and payload, previously only associated with larger helicopters, whilst retaining attractive light twin economics. The Grand has set a new standard in its class offering the highest performance, including full Cat. A/Class 1 capability enabling it to operate from elevated helipads. Orders for nearly 280 helicopters have been placed by almost 150 customers in over 30 countries worldwide for various roles including EMS, SAR, harbour pilot shuttle and VIP/corporate transport.