Elitaliana has signed a preliminary sales contract with AgustaWestland to purchase three new generation AW169 helicopters. The Italian firm ordered three such aircraft in 2011 and will now be able to follow through on its expansion plans, with additional bases due in Italy and abroad.

Elitaliana currently operates from the Lazio and Calabria regions and runs 24-hour emergency medical service missions alongside SAR, utility and passenger transport.

The AW169 is well suited to such missions as it is able to accommodate two stretchers either longitudinally or transversely. The cabin can also hold wheeled stretchers. The specification of the aircraft lends itself well to Elitaliana's operations as it delivers high performance and is equipped with the latest in rotor and avionics technology.

Giampiero Pedone, md of Elitaliana, says: “We believe the all-new AW169 helicopter, with its modern design, safety standards and mission capabilities, is the ideal solution for the future of our aeromedical transport and rescue operations. The partnership established with AgustaWestland is now even stronger and will provide a major contribution to a further growth.”

All four AW169 prototypes are now flying and the model is set to achieve EASA certification by the summer of 2014.