Elevating Excellence: Leonardo’s AW189 Simulator Launch at Malaysia’s Training Hub Set for Early 2026
Leonardo is set to enhance its service offerings with the introduction of an AW189 Level D FFS (Full Flight Simulator) at its Helicopter Training Academy in Malaysia in early 2026. This simulator is a milestone of the long-standing partnership between Leonardo and CAE, established through their Rotorsim 50-50 joint venture.
The upcoming simulator will supplement the existing AW139 FFS, catering to the increasing demand in Southeast Asia for the AW189, the leading super medium helicopter globally and in the region. This advanced pilot training capability is designed to optimize mission safety and effectiveness while promoting sustainability through high-level synthetic training. Crews will undergo OEM-standard training for various missions, which include energy support, search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical service (EMS), disaster relief, passenger transport, utility operations, firefighting, and law enforcement.
Since 2019, the AW189 fleet in Southeast Asia has more than doubled and is anticipated to expand even further in the coming years. Although already established in the region, Leonardo has witnessed rapid growth in the Southeast Asia rotorcraft sector, offering a diverse range of helicopter models tailored for a multitude of missions. This underscores the significance of the company’s localized support and training services. Established in 2013, the Training Academy has successfully trained over 5,500 students and accumulated nearly 44,000 Full Flight Simulator hours.
Malaysia exemplifies Leonardo’s dedication to customer proximity and serves as a strategic hub for the Asian market across various missions, enabling effective support for operators spanning multiple countries. To reinforce this commitment, a new AW169 FTD is currently being installed and is expected to be operational for customers in 2026.
Over the past decade, technical and maintenance services in Malaysia, including maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), modification, upgrades, and blade repair, have shown remarkable growth. This expansion supports a 130% increase in the Leonardo helicopter fleet in Southeast Asia, particularly in the energy support and public service markets. Leonardo Malaysia’s workforce has expanded from 20 to over 120 professionals, now servicing more than 230 helicopters and achieving approximately 70,000 flight hours annually. In recent years, local support services have also benefitted the regional fleets of Super Lynx and AW159 military helicopters.
