Leonardo’s AW139 fleet in Australia grows stronger with order for three more HEMS/SAR helicopters

TOPICS:

Posted By: Rob Vogelaar June 1, 2022

  • The helicopters will be supplied by leading operator CHC Australia to Western Australia’s Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service (EHRS), with delivery in early 2023 
  • The leading helicopter model in Australia for EMS, the AW139 has been chosen by several operators with a fleet of over 60 units today also performing law enforcement, offshore and government duties

Leonardo has announced today a further expansion of its fleet of AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters in Australia with an order for three aircraft as part of Western Australia’s Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service (ERHS) fleet modernization effort to provide enhanced airborne capabilities. The helicopters will be supplied by leading helicopter operator CHC Australia to carry out a range of HEMS, Search and Rescue and Inter-Hospital Patient Transport missions from the Jandakot and Bunbury Airports on behalf of the ERHS. 

The AW139s will be delivered from Leonardo’s Vergiate final assembly line facility in Italy in early 2023 and will enter service in the State of Western Australia later in the year, following dedicated mission customization performed locally. The new aircraft will feature a wide range of tailored equipment including, among others, 4-axis DAFCS (Digital Automatic Flight Control System) autopilot enhanced with Hover Mode, TCAS II (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), searchlight, camera, wire cutter and rescue hoist. The special HEMS interior and the advanced mission console will be installed in Australia. 

This latest contract marks a further outstanding success for the best-selling AW139 in Australia, being already the leading model for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) nationwide. More than 130 civil, public utility and military helicopters of various models have been sold by Leonardo in the country to date, supported by unique localized support and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) services. The AW139 has been chosen by several operators in Australia for a range of roles covering HEMS/SAR, law enforcement, offshore transport and government roles with a fleet of over 60 units today in service. The order also strengthens the regional collaboration with CHC who operates already ten AW139s and two AW189s. The global fleet of AW139s used by CHC has recently set a major operational milestone exceeding 250,000 flight hours. 

Release and photo Leonardo

Related Articles