Approximately 40 helicopters of various types were sold to various operators for a total of approximately 470 million EUR, with delivery scheduled between 2023 and 2026.
AW139, AW169, and AW109 aircraft for energy support, rescue, and public service operations, as well as VIP/corporate transport missions in the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
Following the company’s successful participation in Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia (7th-9th March), Leonardo is announcing new orders for nearly 40 aircraft of various models to several operators across the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, primarily for energy support, rescue and public service duties, and VIP transport operations. Orders for the AW139, AW169, AW109 GrandNew, and AW109 Trekker types total around 470 million EUR, with deliveries scheduled between 2023 and 2026.
All of these orders are in addition to the preliminary sales contracts announced at Heli-Expo for more than 50 AW09 next generation single engine helicopters for customers throughout the world. THC’s decision to confirm plans to further increase the presence of their AW139 fleet in Saudi Arabia for SAR, EMS, and corporate transport, adding six helicopters plus 20 options within the next 18 months, is also noteworthy.
Over 25 aircraft will help the oil industry across geographies by performing offshore transport missions with diverse operators. The AW139 global fleet expanded with new orders from the Middle East, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, and Germany, proving the platform’s global appreciation and unrivaled competitiveness for oil and gas operations. Nevertheless, the AW169 remains the aircraft of choice in its class for offshore transport and wind farm support in both Europe and Asia.
Among the operators putting orders for Leonardo offshore-configured helicopters is Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA), which has ordered six more AW139 offshore helicopters with deliveries scheduled for 2024-2026. OMNI Helicopters International (OHI) has signed a contract to deliver two AW139s to Brazil for offshore transport duties in 2024. This current order comes on the heels of a large Leonardo fleet expansion at OHI, which includes six AW139s and two AW189 super medium helicopters purchased between 2021 and 2022. SFS Aviation, a renowned provider of offshore helicopter services for Thai oil and gas firms, has ordered two more AW139s.
These aircraft, which are slated to be delivered this year, will bring the user’s fleet to seven AW139s. Travira Aviation signed a deal in Indonesia for an extra AW139 offshore, which will be delivered in 2024. HeliService international GmbH (HeliService) in Germany has ordered two new Leonardo helicopters, including an AW139 and an AW169, to expand its range of offshore transport services. The planes are scheduled to arrive in 2024.
Over the last few years, HeliService has been operating AW139s and AW169s for offshore wind farm support missions in the North Sea, delivering outstanding operational capability and safety standards, with ongoing successful expansion in Asia and the United States, where three new AW169s are already expected to enter service in summer 2023. The AW169’s success in assisting offshore operations has been validated in India as well. Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd (GVHL) has ordered two AW169 helicopters to enhance transport operations in the energy industry. The aircraft is likely to be delivered this year, joining a fleet of AW139s.
The AW169 and AW139 also expand their position in the rescue and public service industries, with fresh orders in Asia, the Middle East, and the United States totaling 10 units.
UI Helijet, a South Korean EMS (emergency medical service) operator, has inked a deal for two AW169s. The planes are scheduled to be delivered in 2025 and put into service in 2026. UI Helijet, an EMS contractor for the National Medical Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, was the country’s first EMS operator to use Leonardo’s helicopters. The Phoenix Police Department has agreed to purchase one AW169 with an option for a second. The Phoenix Police Air Tactical Support Bureau will operate the aircraft as the biggest and more modern aircraft in the operator’s helicopter fleet, supplementing the Leonardo AW109 Power purchased in 2005.
The exceptional capabilities of the best-selling AW139 helicopter have been reconfirmed by Abu Dhabi Police in the UAE, who have placed a new order for one AW139. The type is widely used in the country for a variety of functions, including law enforcement and rescue services. Mitsui Bussan Aerospace (MBA), Japan’s authorized distributor for the AW139, AW169, and AW189 helicopter types, revealed that Leonardo orders for a total of six AW139s were recently inked to meet the requirements of various prospective prospects in the country.
With the sale of three helicopters to SynerJet Latina SA, a new distributor responsible for Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Paraguay, Leonardo’s offer in Latin America grows even more successful, particularly for the VIP/corporate transport market and leveraging the exclusive Agusta brand value proposition. They are two AW109 GrandNew and one AW109 Trekker light twin engine aircraft, with deliveries scheduled between the end of 2024 and the second quarter of 2025.
