Leonardo helicopters firms market position after Heli-Expo 2023

Leonadro AW169 helicopter on display
Photo Credit: Leonardo
Indy Udol 6 Min Read
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During the Heli-Expo 2023 in Atlanta, the Italian helicopter manufacturer Leonardo sold 40 helicopters with a value of 470 million Euros with deliveries expected from 2023 and 2026.

These models include the AW139s, AW169s AW109 Grand New, and AW109 Trekker. The orders were from across the world, including the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.

The helicopters will be used for numerous missions including oil and gas missions, military, search and rescue, VIP operations, and public services and duties. 

Moreover, these orders made at the Heli-Expo are not inclusive of the more than 50 orders for the AW09, Leonardo’s next-generation single-engine helicopter.

Notable orders


Saudi Arabia’s THC (The Helicopter Company) has decided to increase its complement of Agusta AW139 aircraft in Saudi Arabia for its search and rescue, emergency medical evacuation, and VIP corporate transport.

It will induct six new helicopters with an additional 20 options within the next year and a half. 

Offshore operations 


Leonardo has also pointed out that its Agusta Westland AW139s have had a presence in offshore transport missions with various operators in many parts of the world, including the Middle East, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, and Germany.

Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) announced that it will expand its operations using the AW139 offshore fleet with an order of 6 extra aircraft with deliveries slated for the years between 2024 and 2026.

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OMNI Helicopters International (OHI) also inked a contract for a further two AW139s to conduct offshore operations in Brazil, with deliveries expected to begin in 2024.

This latest round of aircraft orders will expand OHI’s Leonardo portfolio to a total of six AW130s and two AW189 super medium helicopter, which was bought between 2021 and 2022.

Thailand’s SFS Aviation has ordered two more AW139s to support the Kingdom’s effort in increased oil production. Thailand is expected to receive its new helicopters later this year which will increase its fleet to 7 AW139s.

In Indonesia, Travira Air inked a contract for an extra AW139 offshore, which they will expect the Italian manufacturer to hand over by 2024.

Germany’s HeliService International GmbH has decided to ink for two more Leonardo helicopters including the AW139 and an AW169 and is expected for a 2024 delivery. 

The German helicopter company has been seamlessly flying the Agusta products for its offshore wind farm support missions in the North Sea, proving that the AW139a and the AW169s are proven helicopters to perform such tasks.

HeliService has also been expanding its outreach into Asia and USA respectively. India is also welcoming two AW169s with Global Vectra Helicorp Limited (GVHL) placing orders on these capable machines. GVHL already operates 3 Agusta AW169s for its offshore operations. 

Not only offshore operations helicopters are capable are doing, but it is also saving lives in Emergency and Medical service roles. 

Saving lives and keeping us safe 


South Korea’s UI Helijet, a pioneer service provider for EMS has inked deals for two AW169s. The Korean company is expected to receive its first helicopter in 2025.

UI Helijet is working closely with the Korean government, where its prime contractor is the National Medical Center and the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

In fact, UI Helijet is the first ever EMS operator to use Leonardo Helicopters in the republic. In the United States, the Phoenix Police Department has inked a contract for one AW169 with an option for a second machine.

The helicopter will be flown by the Phoenix Police Air Tactical Support Bureau and will be the most modern helicopter in the police aerial unit, and will complement its aging but perfectly able fleet of the AW109 Power in service since 2005.

Law Enforcement helicopter also extends to the Middle East where the Abu Dhabi Police Air Wing has ordered one extra AW139.

In Japan, Mitsui Bussan Aerospace (MBA), Leonardo’s official distributor for the country has announced the purchasing of six AW139s for increased helicopter-related activities in the country.

In South America, Leonardo is also making significant headways, especially in the VIP and corporate transport segment.

SynerJet Latina SA, Leonardo’s distributor for Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Paraguay has inked two AW109 GrandNew and one AW109 Trekker light twin-engine aircraft, which are expected to be delivered from 2024 to 2025. 

Leonardo started 2023 on a positive note, and certainly, the Helicopter Expo 2023 in Atlanta gave the Italian manufacturer further recognition for its success in selling helicopters globally.

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