INAER has signed contracts for four AgustaWestland GrandNew helicopters and one AW139 medium twin for offshore transport and two EMS-configured GrandNews.

These contracts mark the first application of the GrandNew in the European EMS and offshore transport markets. The GrandNew helicopters for offshore transport will be configured with six forward-facing cabin seats, the first time such a seating layout has been fitted to the type.

José Caparroz Martínez, industrial general director of Grupo INAER, said "The AW139 has set a new standard in the offshore transport market in its category for worldwide operations, increasing capabilities and business opportunities for the operators, while the GrandNew offers outstanding navigation and mission capabilities in the light twin category. The adoption of one more AW139 and the introduction of the GrandNew represents a tremendous addition to our fleet capabilities, thanks to their excellent performance, payload and technology."

AgustaWestland boasts a growing presence in the Iberian helicopter market, where the company has logged orders for more than 50 helicopters from its commercial helicopter range. These perform missions including EMS, SAR, firefighting, passenger transport, vip/corporate transport and offshore transport.

In April the Italian government awarded INAER the management of its fleet of amphibious firefighting aircraft, involving the operating management and technical maintenance of 19 Canadair CL-415 aircraft.

The company has now completed the prior tasks of maintenance and fine-tuning of the aircraft and the training of over 50 pilots, fulfilling the first objective of the contract with the entry into service of six aircraft at the bases at Ciampino (Rome), Lamezia and Genoa. The provision of a total of 15 aircraft is envisaged.