AgustaWestland and Sloane Helicopters celebrate their partnership at Helitech International in London. AgustaWestland Photo
Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland celebrates 20 years of rewarding partnership with its official distributor Sloane Helicopters in the U.K. and Ireland. More than 70 new light-single and light-twin aircraft from the AW119, AB206 and the AW109 legacy, including the Grand/GrandNew series, have been sold in the U.K. and Ireland since 1995.
AgustaWestland’s extensive product line has recorded continuous and growing success in these countries where they have been chosen by numerous customers to cover roles including executive/private transport, law enforcement and emergency medical services. Class leading performance, high reliability, safety standards and support have all been beneficial to the success of these best-in-class aircraft.
The latest success in this established cooperation is the selection of the GrandNew type by 32 Squadron of U.K. Royal Air Force. This helicopter is set to enter service in November to deliver Command Support Air Transport (CSAT) capability for senior military commanders and Government Ministers in the U.K. and Europe. A proven AW109 Power operator since 2006, the No32 Squadron will now replace this model, making a quantum leap forward in capability with the most modern and advanced light twin in the AgustaWestland product range. The GrandNew will ensure greater levels of performance, all-weather capabilities, passenger comfort and versatility while keeping the highest standards of safety and reliability to carry out its missions from airfields or main operating bases. This contract was won under strong competition and Sloane Helicopters will also provide a GrandNew as back-up, engineering services and pilot training.
AgustaWestland and Sloane Helicopters are now committed to renewing their Distributorship Agreement to allow customers continued benefits by dramatically reducing delivery times, helping AgustaWestland maintain its position as market leader in the executive/private transport market in the U.K. and Ireland. Sloane Helicopters is also an AgustaWestland Authorized Service Centre, providing maintenance and support services, as well as a Type Rating Transition centre for AgustaWestland helicopters in the U.K.
