RN-Aircraft, a subsidiary of the Russian oil company Rosneft, has signed a contract for the purchase of ten AW189 helicopters. The aircraft will be used for transportation purposes and delivery is expected between 2015 and 2017. As has already been set out in a framework agreement signed in December 2014 with Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland, Rosneft plans to order further helicopters by 2025, in order to operate a combined total of 160 units.

The parties also reached an agreement for the progressive restructuring of HeliVert, a 50/50 Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland and Russian Helicopters joint venture established to run a final assembly line for the AW139 and more recently the AW189. The agreement foresees the future participation of Rosneft, worth 30 per cent of the shares, with the remaining shares in HeliVert redistributed as 40 per cent to Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland and 30 per cent to Russian Helicopters.

More than 150 AW189 helicopters have already been sold to customers worldwide, including orders, framework contracts and options. The 8.3/8.6 tonne aircraft is one of the most successful commercial helicopters in the 'super medium' category and is able to carry up to 19 passengers. It has a 50-minute 'run-dry' capable main gearbox and is part of the AgustaWestland family of latest generation rotorcraft, which includes the AW169 and AW139.