Air Transport Europe Signs Contract for Two Grand Helicopters

Released on Wednesday, July 16, 2008

AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Air Transport Europe LLC (ATE) of Slovak Republic has signed a contract for two Grand light twin engine helicopters + two options. These helicopters will be used for Emergency Medical Service / Mountain Rescue missions. The signing ceremony has been held at Farnborough International Air Show today. This contract represents the first step of the Air Transport Europe LLC's fleet renewal programme intended to meet the latest stringent operational requirements and further enhance its mission capabilities. The selection of the Grand by Air Transport Europe LLC, an existing A109 K2 operator, confirms their continued confidence in AgustaWestland as a provider of the most advanced EMS-configured light twin helicopters in the world. This order marks the entrance of the best selling latest generation Grand light twin helicopter in the Slovakian commercial helicopter market and adds another leading customer to operators which have placed orders or already have the Grand in service to carry out and successfully and safely accomplish the most demanding EMS/SAR missions in a variety of environmental and weather conditions in Europe.

Featuring the highest cruise speed, full Category A/Class 1 performance capability in all conditions and the largest and most comfortable cabin in the light twin class, the Grand helicopter sets new standards in the light twin market. Orders for over 230 helicopters have been placed by more than 130 customers from almost 30 countries worldwide, in order to perform several tasks such as VIP and EMS/SAR. The EMS version of the Grand is based on a modular principle with fixed provisions and various modules that can be quickly installed or removed. Furthermore, a specific cabin roof and floor have been designed for the installation of the various EMS modules. A medical oxygen cabinet is placed on the left side of the cabin, and it is capable of housing up to four oxygen bottles (2360 litre maximum total capacity). The Grand's superior cruise speed also means it gets to the casualty typically 20% quicker than competing helicopters saving vital minutes on the time it takes to get the casualty to hospital.

Established in 1991, Air Transport Europe LLC is a Slovakian private owned liability limited company providing a number of helicopter services including emergency medical service on a 24/7 operational responsiveness basis and special air works. Based on license of Ministry of Health, it carries out all weather EMS / Mountain Rescue missions from 5 out of 6 bases across Slovakia. The company is also an established maintenance service provider offering overhaul, modifications, upgrade and spare parts and is an authorized service centre for the A109 K2 helicopter.