Italian helicopter operator to join Leading Helicopter Academies of Europe

Leading Helicopter Academies of Europe (LHA) was founded earlier this year to create the first network of independent helicopter academies, and now, the first Italian operator is joining.

Alidaunia is one of the largest helicopter operators in Italy, offering HEMS, firefighting and commercial transport services, as well as its academy. It is also the only company in the country that operates a scheduled helicopter service. It has been announced that Alidaunia will be joining other helicopter centres from across Europe in the LHA.

CEO of the European Helicopter Center (EHC) and LHA Spokesperson Anette Kruhaug Haldersen said: “We are very excited by this new addition to our network. Alidaunia is an excellent academy offering a wide range of training services, complementing our existing network and strengthening LHA presence in Italy.”

The company specialises in training for professional pilots (PPL to ATPL and FI/TRI/Examiner ratings), but it also offers the LIFUS programme for low-time pilots so that they can gain experience quickly. They also offer simulator training, such as Full Flight Simulators (FFS Level D) for the AW109, AW139 and AW169 helicopters from Leonardo. For non-pilots, there is training for technicians, nurses and others in helicopter-related skills, such as RNP 0.3 (H), NVIS, HUET, HHO and EMS.

Vincenzo Pucillo, CEO of Alidaunia, said: “We are delighted to join LHA because we see the many benefits of being part of a European network. We know the Italian training market inside and out. With specific training expertise in HEMS, offshore, mountain and specialized operations. As a Leonardo partner we provide training services all over the world.”

In June 2022, Alidaunia expanded its fleet to include two Leonardo AW169 helicopters to deliver emergency medical services in the Campania region of Italy