Alidaunia receives new helicopters for Campania EMS services

The aircraft were supplied by a joint venture leasing operation of Libra Group leasing subsidiary LCI and the Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company under a long-term operating lease, and will be based in the cities of Naples and Salerno.

The AW169 is a twin-engine aircraft powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A series with turboshafts with FADEC. It has a maximum cruise speed of 270 km/h, alongside a range of 816km and a maximum endurance of 4h 24 min.

In medical and rescue configuration, the aircraft has space for up to two stretchers laid either longitudinally or transversally in the cabin, alongside a full suite of advanced life support equipment. The aircraft can also be fitted with searchlights and a rescue hoist, although it is unknown whether the Alidaunia aircraft are equipped with them at present.

Avv/Com Roberto Pucillo, CEO of Alidaunia, says: “LCI’s experience in providing aircraft and support for EMS operations makes them a natural partner for Alidaunia.”

Crispin Maunder, Executive Chairman of LCI, says: “Alidaunia is a highly experienced provider of helicopter services, and LCI is proud to be supporting their growing emergency medical services operation.”

LCI was previously involved in the supply of an EMS-configured AW169 to fellow Italian operator Elitaliana in 2018. According to Maunder, over half of the company’s leased fleet is currently in service conducting ‘mission critical operations’.