Leonardo to deliver 23 helicopters in 2022 and 2023

The orders are from a range of clients in Asia, Europe, North American and Latin America, and includes 15 AW139s, three AW 169s, three AW109 GrandNew, one AW119Kx and one AW189.

It follows a successful Heli-Expo 2022 between 8 and 10 March, which featured a contract signing with Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company for a batch of 16 AW139 and AW109 helicopters – with additional options for up to 20 more helicopters of various types – for use in establishing a nationwide air ambulance service in the country.

Mexican air transport company Pegaso, an existing AW139 operator, also signed for an additional aircraft to operate offshore transport and search and rescue operations, and Germany’s HeliService also purchased two AW169 helicopters, to support offshore wind farm development in Taiwan from 2023.

Leonardo adds that Greece’s National Centre for Emergency Care recently launched two new AW109 Trekkers for use in air ambulance operations, and that Italy’s Elilombarda has already accepted two AW109 Trekkers for use by the Italian offshore energy sector.

Leonardo also reported healthy sales for its VIP and corporate market

In the VIP and corporate market, Leonardo confirmed that its official distributor for UK and Ireland Sloane Helicopters ordered three AW109 GrandNew aircraft. Brazil’s Comexport has purchased an AW169 VIP, and Turkish distributor Kaan Air also placed an order for an AW139.

Toho Air Service, a Tokyo-based heli-commuter service, will also begin using an AW139 from late 2022. Leonardo added that 2021 also marked the sale of the first AW180 in VIP configuration for the European market to an undisclosed user.