Geoff: Couldn't agree with you more.
The corporate and offshore markets are not what they were when the 76 was first 'penned' back in the 70's and the latest incarnation (besides the existing improvements) really needed an additional row of seats in order to remain relevant.
Clearly Sikorsky are willing to relinquish pole position in the VIP/corporate stakes to AgustaWestland!
Even the Pope has switched from Sikorsky to AW!
Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force) AW139 MM81807 at Rome's Ciampino Airport on 10th September 2012 (Photo: Aldo Bidini)
The new 'Vaticopter' which this year replaced the SH-3D (Sea King) previously assigned for Papal flying duties.
Next stop .. the new "Rainbow" when 'EB' starts getting tired!
Maybe.