First Fleet Orders Imminent for AB139

The first large fleet orders may be imminent for the twin-engined Agusta/Bell AB139 utility helicopter being developed by the US-Italian joint venture.

Two large fleet buys are under discussion: one for a military customer, the other for commercial use, but no further details are available, Bell Helicopter CEO and chairman Terry Stinson told Show News. Orders for the helicopter-unveiled at the Paris Air Show last June-stand at two, both for Bristow Helicopters of the United Kingdom.

Stinson said he expects the AB139 to be very successful in the future, and anticipates volumes close to that of the Bell 412 by 2002-03. First flight is scheduled for late this year.