Following the firm’s successful participation at Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia (March 7th-9th), Leonardo is declaring further advancement within the commercial helicopter sector, with fresh contracts for almost 40 aircraft of diverse models to multiple operators across the Middle East, Asia, Americas, and Europe, chiefly for energy support, rescue, public service assignments, and VIP transportation operations. Cumulative orders for the AW139, AW169, AW109 GrandNew, and AW109 Trekker series amount to a total valuation of roughly 470 million EUR, with handovers scheduled between 2023 and 2026.
All these contracts complement preliminary sales agreements, which were already disclosed at Heli-Expo, for over 50 AW09 next-generation single-engine helicopters for customers globally. Additionally, THC has confirmed its intent to further enhance 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.
Approximately 25 aircraft will conduct offshore transport missions with various operators assisting the energy sector across different regions. The global AW139 fleet expanded with new orders from the Middle East, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, and Germany, demonstrating worldwide recognition of the platform and unrivaled competitiveness for oil & gas operations. Moreover, the AW169 continues to establish itself as the preferred aircraft in its category for offshore transport and wind farm assistance, both in Europe and Asia.
Among the operators placing orders for Leonardo’s offshore-configured helicopters, Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) has broadened its AW139 offshore fleet with an order for six additional helicopters, anticipated for delivery in the 2024-2026 period. OMNI Helicopters International (OHI) has inked a contract for two AW139s to perform offshore transport tasks in Brazil, with deliveries set for 2024. This recent order follows a significant expansion of Leonardo’s fleet at OHI, contributing to a total of six AW139s and two AW189 super medium helicopters, which were acquired between 2021 and 2022. Additionally, two more AW139s were ordered by SFS Aviation, a premier provider of offshore helicopter services for Oil and Gas enterprises in Thailand. These aircraft, expected to be delivered this year, will augment the user’s fleet to a comprehensive total of seven AW139s. In Indonesia, Travira Air has signed a contract for another AW139 offshore, expected to be delivered in 2024. HeliService International GmbH (HeliService) in Germany is also enhancing its array of offshore transport solutions, with an order for two additional Leonardo helicopters including one AW139 and one AW169. These aircraft are projected for delivery in 2024. HeliService has been operating AW139s and AW169s for offshore wind farm support missions in the North Sea over recent years, providing exceptional operational capabilities and safety standards, with ongoing prosperous expansion in Asia and the USA, where three new AW169s are already expected to be operational starting summer 2023. The AW169’s success in supporting offshore operations has also been validated in India. Global Vectra Helicorp Limited (GVHL) has concluded an order for two AW169s to facilitate transport operations in the energy sector. The aircraft’s delivery is anticipated to be completed this year, integrating into a fleet of AW139s.
The AW169 and AW139 further solidify their position in the rescue and public service sectors with new orders across Asia, the Middle East, and the USA for a cumulative total of ten units.
In South Korea, the EMS (Emergency Medical Service) provider UI Helijet has entered into a contract for two AW169s. The aircraft are set for delivery in 2025 and will commence service starting 2026. UI Helijet, an EMS contractor for the National Medical Center, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, was the first EMS operator utilizing Leonardo’s helicopters in the country. The Phoenix Police Department has signed a
contract for one AW169 with an option for an additional unit. The aircraft will be utilized by the Phoenix Police Air Tactical Support Bureau as the larger and most advanced aircraft in the operator’s helicopter fleet, enhancing the Leonardo AW109 Power originally acquired in 2005. The exceptional capabilities of the best-selling AW139 helicopter have been reconfirmed with a new order for one AW139 by Abu Dhabi Police in UAE. This model is highly esteemed in the nation for various roles, including law enforcement and rescue services, among others. Mitsui Bussan Aerospace (MBA), the authorized distributor for the AW139, AW169, and AW189 helicopter models in Japan, announced recently signed contracts with Leonardo for a total of six AW139s to fulfill the demands of various upcoming opportunities in the country.
In Latin America, the triumph of Leonardo’s offerings – especially for the VIP/corporate transportation market and leveraging the exclusive Agusta brand value – continues to broaden with the sale of three helicopters to SynerJet Latina SA, a new distributor responsible for Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Paraguay. Specifically, these transactions include two AW109 GrandNew and one AW109 Trekker light twin-engine aircraft, with deliveries anticipated between late 2024 and the second quarter of 2025.
