The search and rescue variant of the AgustaWestland AW189 has achieved EASA certification. The range of kits for the SAR mission that have now been certified by EASA for the AW189 include a dual rescue hoist with camera system, search radar, high definition FLIR system, searchlight, increased capacity fuel system, Flight Management System (FMS) and Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) SAR modes, cabin mission console and various additional communication systems.

The SAR variant of the AW189 has also been certified with a maximum all up mass of 8,600 kg, a payload increase of 300 kg.

AgustaWestland's latest gener-ation AW169 has entered full scale production, with the first aircraft now on the final assembly line at its Vergiate facility in Italy. Deliveries to the first batch of customers are set to start in the second quarter of 2015.

The AW169 is the first all-new aircraft in its weight category to enter the market in nearly 40 years. The AW169 flight test programme, utilising four proto-types, has so far amassed over 1,200 flying hours during flight testing. AW169 training systems are being established at the manufacturer's Sesto Calende Training Academy in Italy, including a level-D full flight simulator and maintenance trainer.