Leonardo has signed South Africa’s Absolute Aviation Group as its in-country distributor for civil models, including twins AW109 GrandNew, AW109 Trekker, AW169, and AW139. Cape Town-based Absolute also ordered an AW119Kx single and the first Trekker sold into South Africa, both for delivery next year. The distribution agreement offers Absolute the opportunity to represent Leonardo in other countries on the continent. Absolute currently operates from airports at Cape Town, Wonderboom, Maun, and Gaborone.
Separately, Leonardo said it recently signed a contract for a VIP AW139 for a private operator in the country. More than 60 Leonardo helicopters of various models currently fly in South Africa in a variety of roles, including VIP/corporate, emergency medical service, oil and gas, harbor pilot shuttle, utility, and naval missions.
Leonardo recently completed a demonstration tour of the AW119Kx throughout the country, flying with nearly 50 different operators. The company characterized the tour as a “significant success.”