Rotorcraft
Italian authority certifies AB139
In a surprise move at last month’s Paris Air Show, the much anticipated Bell/Agusta Aerospace AB139 received its type certification from the Italian aerona

In a surprise move at last month’s Paris Air Show, the much anticipated Bell/Agusta Aerospace AB139 received its type certification from the Italian aeronautical authority, ENAC, which also approved IFR operations. Presentation of the new airworthiness certification accompanied the appointment of company veteran Louis Bartolotta as new managing director of Bell/ Agusta Aerospace, the corporate entity that will produce the new medium twin on both sides of the Atlantic. FAA certification is pending.

Among the first AB139 deliveries will be two slated for Evergreen International of McMinnville, Ore., which plans to use the beefy helo for utility and offshore operations.