AgustaWestland opens new regional business headquarters in Portugal

In support of its increasing business activities in Portugal, AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company is pleased to announce the opening of its new regional business headquarters in Lisbon, following the establishment of its in-country subsidiary AgustaWestland Portugal S.A.

The opening ceremony was attended by Italian Minister Gianfranco Rotondi, Portuguese Deputy Minister for Industry and Innovation Antonio Castro Guerra, Deputy Minister for National Defence and Sea Affairs João Mira Gomes, Italian Ambassador Luca del Balzo di Presenzano, British Ambassador Alexander Ellis, AgustaWestland Managing Director Business Graham Cole and other dignitaries.

Graham Cole, MD, AgustaWestland commented “We are proud to announce the opening of our new business headquarters in Lisbon to support our expanding presence in Portugal. AgustaWestland has seen its position in the Portuguese helicopter market increase in recent years to become a major supplier of helicopters to both the commercial and government markets. The new headquarters will play an important role in supporting our latest initiatives and partnerships as well as helping to expand our business in Portugal where we see significant future business opportunities.”

AgustaWestland has a long and successful presence in Portugal; as a supplier of helicopters to both the commercial and government markets where it is the market leader, and as a purchaser where AgustaWestland has long established industrial relationships with Portuguese companies such as OGMA. Over 20 commercial and military helicopters have been ordered and are in service including AW101, Lynx, AW139, AW109 Power and Grand models, while 10 NH90 helicopter are also on order for the armed forces.

The offset agreement related to the AW101 helicopter contract signed in August 2008  included the provision of aerospace manufacturing and engineering services in which AgustaWestland Portugal will play a major role as will other local companies including OGMA and CEIIA.  A six year agreement was signed in December 2008 for the Research and Development, Design and Engineering Project (RDE) under which Portuguese companies and universities are being involved in diversified aerospace-related projects. The main aeronautical fields targeted include mechanical systems, aircraft interiors, structures and composites, electronic and software systems.

AgustaWestland sees a significant number of new opportunities in the Portuguese market including the Portuguese Army’s and Air Force’s potential requirements for light twin multirole and training helicopters as well as for various applications in the commercial helicopter market including EMS (Emergency Medical Service).