Bell/Augusta reports EASA certification of an increase in
the maximum gross weight of its AB135 medium twin helicopter to 14,110 lbs. The
Bell-and-Agusta joint venture has delivered 17 AB139s thus far and says it
expects to deliver three more in 2005. Total orders for the AB139 stand at more
than 135 aircraft. To date, the fielded aircraft have accumulated more than
4,000 hrs of time with operators in the EMS, offshore and paramilitary fields.
