Three orders announced by Leonardo at the Helitech show in Amsterdam have expanded the order book (orders, options and framework agreements) for the AW169 beyond 150 aircraft. Many of the helicopters, including two that were ordered at the show for Helikorea in the Republic of Korea, are destined for emergency medical services (EMS) work. Leonardo also announced a follow-on order from AW169 launch customer Lease Corporation International for three aircraft, while Specialist Aviation Services (SAS) has signed a framework agreement for six aircraft that would bring its fleet to 12.
Based in the United Kingdom, SAS has already ordered six AW169s, of which the third is about to be delivered. The first of these aircraft, on show at Helitech, is configured for EMS work with the Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance, which is later to receive a second machine. Other EMS machines are placed with the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, and with the service for Dorset and Somerset. Of the second batch of AW169s for SAS, five will be in EMS configuration and one outfitted for windfarm support.
Offshore renewable energy is a growing market for helicopter operators, and Leonardo says the AW169 is well placed to serve this market. The first offshore application of the type was recently delivered via lessor LCI to HeliService International, which is using it to support windfarms. This activity typically involves lowering engineers and their equipment onto wind turbines for maintenance. The shorter-range AW169 complements HeliService’s larger and longer-range AW139s.
In another offshore application, Airlift AS of Norway will use three AW169s to transport marine pilots to vessels carrying hazardous cargo around oil and gas terminals. That contract is to start in June next year.
While the AW169 gains traction in the EMS and offshore markets, the type has also made its mark in the personal/business sector, with an order announced in September for a customer in Argentina, plus five in Brazil announced this month.
Leonardo has delivered 10 AW169s, but is now ramping up production after addressing some technical teething issues. Production rate for the remainder of the year will run at around one helicopter per week.