The Government of Panama has ordered six AW139 medium twin-engine helicopters from AgustaWestland.

The contract also includes pilot and maintainer conversion to type training.

Of the six aircraft, four perform a range of national and public security roles, one will be used for utility missions and the last will be used to transport senior government officials and other VIPs.

Powered by two PT6C-67C turboshaft engines with 1,679shp, the AW139 has a maximum cruise speed of 167kt.

The aircraft has a range of over 1,000km or an endurance of over five hours with auxiliary fuel, making it ideal for long-range transport and for border patrol missions.

The cockpit features a Honeywell Primus Epic fully integrated avionics system, a four-axis digital automatic flight control system and large flat panel colour displays to reduce pilot workload.