Alidaunia receives new helicopters for Campania EMS services
Italian helicopter operator Alidaunia has received delivery of two Leonardo AW169 helicopters, for use in the delivery of emergency medical services (EMS) in Italy’s southwestern Campania region
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’.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.