AgustaWestland, November 30, 2005 - AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Interior Ministry Secretary-General, Märt Kraft and Border Guard representative, Riho Breivel, have signed on November 29th a contract for an AB139 with option for an additional aircraft. Procurement of the helicopter is one of the biggest projects to be realized using Schengen Facility program funds. The Ministry of the Interior launched the state tender competition for the acquisition of a helicopter for the Border Guard on 28 June 2005 and the AB139 was jugged the only helicopter that met the conditions set out in the tender.
The Border Guard helicopter will carry out patrols over the whole territory within the sphere of responsibility of Estonia. It will be based in Tallinn. The AB139 helicopter purchase will fulfill one goal of the Schengen Facility Program to ensure that the work of guarding the external borders and the border control infrastructure are in compliance with the Schengen zone requirements. Estonia is preparing to join the Schengen zone in 2007.
The Estonia Border Guard adds to several government agencies and military operators that have already ordered AB139 helicopters. Designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, the AB139 is capable of carrying up to 15 passengers or six litters with four medical attendants at the highest speed, in the most spacious cabin and with the best power reserve of any helicopter in the medium twin-engine class.
The Border Guard helicopter will carry out patrols over the whole territory within the sphere of responsibility of Estonia. It will be based in Tallinn. The AB139 helicopter purchase will fulfill one goal of the Schengen Facility Program to ensure that the work of guarding the external borders and the border control infrastructure are in compliance with the Schengen zone requirements. Estonia is preparing to join the Schengen zone in 2007.
The Estonia Border Guard adds to several government agencies and military operators that have already ordered AB139 helicopters. Designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, the AB139 is capable of carrying up to 15 passengers or six litters with four medical attendants at the highest speed, in the most spacious cabin and with the best power reserve of any helicopter in the medium twin-engine class.
See also |
AW139 in
Piirivalve Lennusalk 
