Leonardo announces two orders for 37 aircraft

Leonardo announced two separate deals for a total of 37 helicopters on 12 November.

The Italian helicopter manufacturer will be delivering 15 EMS-configured AW139s to China and 22 AW169Ms to the Italian Government respectively.

The AW139s are will be delivered starting 2019 through to 2021 and will bring the total number of Leonardo helicopters in China to more than 185.

The aircraft will be operated by Kingwing General Aviation and be flown on EMS missions across China. This builds on existing contracts for EMS helicopters signed with China-US in recent years – including orders for AW119Kx single engines, 24 AW139s and 25 AW109 Trekkers.

Alessandro Profumo, Leonardo CEO, said: “With the new orders and Heads of Agreement signed today, Leonardo reinforces its leading position in China, a fast-growing and highly competitive market where our state-of-the-art helicopters are performing challenging emergency medical support operations every day, serving communities around the nation. We’re extremely pleased with our strong partnership with Sino-US.

Alongside this, Leonardo also announced the contract for 22 AW169Ms with Italy’s Guardia di Finanza – complete with support and training.

The contract is valued at 280 million euros (aprox $316 million).

The AW169Ms will feature a dedicated configuration which includes a rescue hoist, emergency flotation system and life rafts and wire cutters.

The aircraft will be used on a range of missions, including patrol, reconnaissance, law enforcement, rescue and homeland security.