Italian aerospace, defence and security specialist Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) sold approaching 40 helicopters at Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia on March 7-9 this year. Deliveries of the aircraft are expected to take place between 2023 and 2026.
The sales involve AW139s, AW169s and AW109s which will be used for energy support, rescue and public service duties, as well as VIP/corporate transport missions throughout the Middle East, Asia, the Americas and Europe. Overall, at book prices, the value of the sales to Leonardo is around €470 million (£412 million).
These orders come on top of numerous preliminary sales contracts which had already been announced at Heli-Expo for 50 AW09 next-generation single-engine helicopters for various customers worldwide. In addition to THC’s decision to further expand the presence of their AW139 helicopter fleet in Saudi Arabia for SAR, EMS and corporate transport adding six helicopters plus 20 options within the next 18 months. Approaching 25 aircraft will carry out offshore transport missions with a number of operators supporting the energy industry.
The AW139 global fleet has expanded with new orders across the Middle East, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia and Germany, thus confirming worldwide appreciation of the platform and unmatched competitiveness for oil & gas operations. Also, the AW169 helicopter continues to prove to be the aircraft of choice in its class for offshore transport and wind farm support in both Europe and Asia.
The AW169 and AW139 have also strengthened their presence in the rescue and public service markets with new orders across Asia, Middle East and in USA for a total of ten units. In Latin America the success of Leonardo’s offer – particularly for the VIP/corporate transport market and leveraging the exclusive Agusta brand value proposition – has grown further with sale of three helicopters. Mitsui Bussan Aerospace (MBA), the authorized distributor for the AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopter models in Japan, has also announced orders recently signed for a total of six AW139s.
