AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the GrandNew light twin engine helicopter has been selected as the platform of choice by the Columbia River Bar Pilots in Oregon, USA. The GrandNew will replace the existing AW109 Power helicopter that has served as their transport since the early 2000’s.

The GrandNew helicopter will modernize their ship pilot operations that service the approaches to the famous Columbia River. The Columbia Bar River is globally recognized as one of the most demanding and treacherous stretches of water in the world.

The GrandNew features a new state-of-the-art full digital glass cockpit while retaining the Grand's outstanding performance and features. To enhance safety and maximise operational capabilities the GrandNew is the first type certified light twin (CS/JAR/FAR 27) to enter service with a new EFIS featuring Synthetic Vision. With the highest power-to-weight ratio of any helicopter in its class the GrandNew is able to perform VTOL Cat A operations up to ISA+20 (35C at Sea Level) without any payload reduction, making it more capable than many larger helicopters when operating in high temperature conditions.