The second pre-production AB139 helicopter made its first flight recently, at Agusta’s Cascina Costa plant in Italy. The certification programme foresees a tie down helicopter and three pre-production aircraft, certification is expected for 2002 with deliveries to follow. Bell/Agusta Aerospace says that the AB139 is recording orders worldwide, including Australia, Europe, Africa, Middle and Far East and the Americas. The company says that the helicopter’s competitive objectives are lower operating costs and higher productivity than competitors.