HI Uplift: Leonardo sells in Brazil & invests in UK
Leonardo and Havan staff celebrate the order at the Catarina Aviation Show.
It has been a busy week for Leonardo. On Tuesday, the helicopter manufacturer revealed an order for a second AW169 light-intermediate twin-engine helicopter in corporate transport configuration from Brazilian retail giant Havan. The next day, it announced a £15m investment to build a new helicopter maintenance and support facility at London Elstree Aerodrome, northeast of the capital.
Let’s unpack both in this HI Uplift newsletter – starting with the order in Brazil. Disclosed at the country’s Catarina Aviation Show, near São Paulo, this second order highlights both the popularity of the type and its VIP configuration, according to the manufacturer.
“It confirms customer’s reliance on the type, as this is the second AW169 on order, and Leonardo’s VIP helicopters – given the operator has also been flying AW109s,” a spokesman for the company told us. “Leonardo helicopters have allowed Havan to commute among a growing number of sites/stores across the country, easing and speeding up logistics.” They have facilitated transport as the number of Havan’s shops has grown significantly over the past 20 years.
Corporate transport configuration
Like the retailer’s first AW169, the second aircraft will be in corporate transport configuration, featuring hinged cabin doors and a 4+2+2 seating layout. Havan took delivery of its first AW169 in late 2025, with its latest order scheduled for delivery from Italy’s Vergiate final assembly facility before the end of 2028.
Leonardo’s latest order is also said to highlight the model’s popularity in Latin America. About 30 models are operating in the region deployed on a range of missions including: firefighting, law enforcement and search and rescue not only in Brazil but also Argentina and Uruguay.
But the VIP/corporate transport role remains the most popular in the country, with an existing fleet of 18 units and four additional aircraft planned for delivery and entry into service this year.
“The AW169 is giving operators the level of greater cabin space and comfort they have been seeking as AW109 light twin operators, while maintaining the level of performance and Agusta-brand VIP exclusive experience,” the spokesman tells us. “And this is still a compact size and footprint – without scaling up to the larger AW139 unless required by specific customer requirements. So, the AW169 has provided one more option for the growing customer base in Brazil.” (Pictured above are staff from Havan and Leonardo at the Catarina Aviation Show).
Technical support
The type will also benefit from local technical support services through Leonardo’s Brazilian Service and Logistics Centre in Itapevi, near São Paulo. The facility is being expanded with the addition of a new building to be completed by year-end. New services include improved components repair and overhaul capabilities, as well as painting and completion options. When complete, the service centre will be able to host up to 28 helicopters at a time compared with 20 today.
Worldwide more than 380 AW169s are on order from operators in more than 30 countries.
New £15m heli support hub
From Brazil to London, with Leonardo’s second announcement of the week – a new £15m helicopter support hub at Elstree near London. The investment deepens the company’s long-term investment in the UK, as one of Europe’s largest helicopter markets, says the manufacturer. Initial value of stock investment of components and parts estimated to be over £10m.
Services will include manufacturer-approved helicopter maintenance, reinforcing the UK’s aerospace capabilities and Leonardo’s national high-tech footprint.
The centre will play a key role in supporting Leonardo’s fleet of commercial helicopters operating in the UK that serve a wide range of customers, including commercial operators. About 30 of the 200-strong fleet support community services, including emergency medical services and other specialist users. Long-term growth of its skilled engineering workforce is part of the manufacture’s plan for the site.
The Leonardo team will partner with the University of Hertfordshire to provide industrial input to their engineering curriculum, so that students graduate with industry-ready skills.
Belgium subsidiary
Operated through the company’s Leonardo Belgium subsidiary, which has responsibility for after-sales support, logistics and maintenance of civil and public service helicopters across Europe, the Elstree hub will serve as a bridge for European aerospace synergy. “It will integrate Leonardo’s streamlined continental logistics and experience with the UK’s engineering expertise to give skilled support for the UK’s fleet,” said the company.
Vittorio Della Bella, senior vice president, Customer Support & Training Services at Leonardo Helicopters said: “The opening of our Elstree facility marks an important step in strengthening our support for Leonardo’s civil helicopter customers in the UK and Ireland. This brings us closer to our customers, enhances our responsiveness, and reinforces our commitment to delivering the highest standards of OEM support in a market that depends on reliability, quality and long-term resilience.”
Clive Higgins, CEO, Leonardo UK, added: “By strengthening our national presence, we are giving our UK customers confidence that critical maintenance and support will be assured for decades to come, providing certainty and peace of mind over the full life of their aircraft.”
Higgins also highlighted how the investment would create “meaningful opportunities for the next generation of highly skilled engineers”. What a positive way to end Leonardo’s busy week.
Meanwhile, Leonardo’s Roberto Garavaglia will be joining other rotary indusrtry leaders at our Helicopter Investor London 2026 conference on June 16th and 17th. More details here.
HI Uplift Dashboard: Helicopters for sale
Multi engine
- Total for sale/lease: 243 – two fewer than last week
- Percentage for sale/lease: 2.34%
- Absorption rate: 3.14 months
- Total fleet: 10,373 – 13 more than last week.
Single engine
- Total for sale/lease: 395 – 10 fewer than last week
- Percentage for sale/lease: 2.89%
- Absorption rate: 3.48 months
- Total fleet: 13,675 – six more than last week.
Source: AMSTAT, May 29th, 2026
