HeliVert gets approval for production of commercial AW139

HeliVert, a joint venture between Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland, has received the certificate of approval from the Aviation Register of the Interstate Aviation Committee (AR IAC) for production of the AW139 helicopter. The certificate is valid for two years. “The Certificate of Approval confirms the company’s right to assemble commercial AW139s in strict compliance with the AR IAC’s Aviation Regulations,” said HeliVert CEO Alexander Kuznetsov. “We are continuing to progress the HeliVert project in line with the joint plan adopted by our Italian and Russian shareholders.” Following an audit by the AR IAC in May 2012, HeliVert was first awarded a one-year certificate of approval for production of five AW139s, and production of the first helicopters at the company began in June 2012. Daniele Romiti, CEO of AgustaWestland, said: “This latest certification achievement and the progress of assembly operations at the state-of-the-art Tomilino plant for the best-selling AW139, once more highlights the quality of our partnership with Russian Helicopters through the HeliVert joint venture. We look forward to expanding the already significant success achieved by this model in Russia.” The first AW139 assembled in Russia made its maiden flight in December 2012. HeliVert products will be offered to customers in Russia and the CIS.