Elitaliana has signed a preliminary sales contract for two AW109 Trekker light twin helicopters, which it has ordered in HEMS configuration. The Trekkers will support the operator's expansion plans, which include operating from additional bases in Italy and abroad, along with the ones already located in the Lazio and Calabria regions. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2016.

The contract marks the entrance of the AW109 Trekker into the HEMS market as well as into the European market. Elitaliana is already an established operator of the AW109 Power and Grand light twins and has also ordered the new generation AW169.

“We chose to confirm our long term relationship with AgustaWestland and we're proud to be the launch customer for a HEMS equipped variant of the AW109 Trekker,” says Alessandro Giulivi, Elitaliana's operations director. “The new helicopters will support our plans in Italy and Europe as well as keeping our fleet up-to-date with a brand new generation of rotorcraft.”

The AW109 Trekker is the latest addition to AgustaWestland's portfolio of helicopters and is the first to offer skid landing gear. It has a cruise speed of 160 knots, competitive operating costs and a Garmin G1000HTM glass cockpit. The cabin can accommodate up to six passengers or one stretcher with three or four medical attendants, or two stretchers and two medical attendants.

Established in 1964, Elitaliana has a strong record of helicopter operations in Italy. In addition to 24 hour a day emergency medical services, its missions also include SAR, utility and passenger transport performed by two AW109 Power and four Grands.