XPO Logistics has landed a contract from helicopter maker AgustaWestland to coordinate the handling, storage and transport of eight Lynx Mk21A helicopters from Brazil to the UK for a phased upgrade.

The Brazilian Navy has tasked the helicopter manufacturer with replacing engines, navigation systems, display consoles and mission avionics on the maritime helicopters. The programme will take place at the company's manufacturing and maintenance facility in Yeovil, Somerset.

Upon completion of the upgrade work, the logistics firm will be responsible for returning the refurbished helicopters to Brazil using air and sea freight solutions.

In Brazil, XPO Logistics operates from locations in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and has experience in complex customs regulations and naval procedures for export and import, reported London's Air Cargo News.

"XPO Logistics manages regular inbound and outbound movements of spare parts for us in Brazil, and has shipped helicopters to the UK on two previous occasions," said AgustaWestland customer service officer Jim Joyce.