Leonardo shared during Heli-Expo 2023 (Atlanta, 7-9 March) that Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) has finalized a deal to acquire six AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters. The aircraft are anticipated to be delivered within the 2024-2026 period and will be utilized for offshore transport operations, further enlarging ADA’s AW139 fleet, particularly supporting the energy sector. These new helicopters will also enable ADA to meet the most recent OGP regulations.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, stated: “This agreement further fortifies the collaboration between Leonardo and ADA, which has consistently expanded over the years, both in supplying cutting-edge platform technology and offering superior customer support services. It reaffirms the AW139’s dominance in the Middle East and the global energy sector as the standard helicopter in its class.”
“Fleet strategy plays a crucial role for ADA as we strategize for the future. This acquisition of additional AW139s will guarantee that ADA possesses state-of-the-art aircraft to bolster our ongoing expansion in the industry,” remarked Abu Dhabi Aviation.
Leonardo and ADA have been partners for more than 15 years, with the operator having acquired a total of 33 helicopters thus far, most of which are AW139s. In 2022, ADA secured three AW139s, with the first aircraft already delivered and two more anticipated to be transferred in spring this year, serving as further testament to the robust partnership between Leonardo and ADA’s trust in the type’s expanding capabilities. The integration of the AW169 light intermediate twin-engine model in recent years has been the perfect complement to the AW139, capitalizing on the unique benefits of the AWFamily with a similar design philosophy and latest safety certifications and standards. Recently, ADA achieved a milestone of 10,000 flight hours with its Leonardo helicopter fleet over the past year as they approach a collective total of 100,000 flight hours by next summer.
The ADA’s fleet of Leonardo helicopters has been enhanced with comprehensive localized support, maintenance, and overhaul services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for approximately a decade, facilitated by the establishment of the AgustaWestland Aviation Services Joint Venture, followed by training and simulation capabilities.
Abu Dhabi Aviation is a national shareholding firm and the largest commercial helicopter operator in the MENA region, founded in 1976. The company operates a fleet of nearly 60 aircraft, including over 50 helicopters and several fixed-wing models. ADA also provides aircraft for various organizations. The company has received numerous international aviation accolades and has recorded more than 1,000,000 safe flying hours. ADA was the first rotary-wing AOC in the UAE, established in 1976. ADA is recognized as the leading helicopter operator and maintainer in the MENA region, conducting oil and gas onshore and offshore operations along with HEMS, VIP transportation, and a variety of other aviation services both in the UAE and worldwide. ADA also possesses robust MRO capabilities as a Leonardo MRO provider, equipped for base, line, and shop services.
As the world’s most significant helicopter program since its certification in 2004 and the top-selling model in its category, the AW139 has amassed orders exceeding 1,250 units from over 290 operators across more than 80 nations to date for various missions. The global AW139 fleet has surpassed 3.6 million logged flight hours thus far. The model features state-of-the-art avionics coupled with sophisticated navigation and collision avoidance systems to enhance situational awareness and alleviate pilots’ workload, unmatched speed, power margins, and overall performance, the most spacious cabin in its class with high modularity for quick reconfiguration, a unique main gearbox that can run dry for over 60 minutes for enhanced reliability and safety, and up to 1,000 certified kits.
