Rosneft, an oil company majority owned by the Russian government, has entered into an agreement with Finnmeccanica-AgustaWestland and Rostec (Russian Helicopters) for the manufacturer to provide 160 AW189 rotorcraft for its operations by 2025. The supply will be provided mainly through HeliVert, a joint venture between AgustaWestland and Russian Helicopters.

HeliVert will be responsible for the final assembly at its Tomilino plant near Moscow. The agreement includes the supply of integrated services such as maintenance and training for customers in Russia and CIS countries. With the completion of this order, Rosneft will become the largest customer for the AW189 worldwide.

The AW189 is a new generation super medium aircraft intended to meet the growing demand in the global market for long range operations. It is optimised for offshore transport and search and rescue missions.

The agreement for the local assembly of the AW189 in Russia is a new step forward for HeliVert, which has been assembling the lighter class AW139 helicopter since June 2012.

Rosneft ceo Igor Sechin states: “Developing shelf projects is Rosneft's strategic goal. Attaining this goal is impossible without the latest Arctic and maritime technology, oil and gas platforms, and the latest aircraft. We are pleased with the agreement reached, thanks to which we are able to build strategic cooperation in this vital sphere.”