Italian police orders two AW139 helicopters

The Italian Police has placed an order for two AW139 intermediate twin helicopters. The contract is partially funded by the UE FRONTEX programme aimed at supporting coordination and development of the European Union’s border management. Also included in the contract is a comprehensive support and training package for crews and maintenance personnel plus options for an additional six helicopters to be exercised within late 2012/early 2013. These aircraft will be used to perform a range of duties including law enforcement, border patrol and other public utility applications. The two helicopters on order are expected to be delivered in the first half of 2013 and based at Pratica di Mare Airbase, close to Rome.