Leonardo has suspended all international and domestic travel in the wake of the COVID-19 virus’s impact on Italy, but a spokesman told AIN today that the helicopter OEM’s “industrial operations remain active.”
Leonardo released the following statement: "In line with guidelines from the Italian Authorities, and as a precautionary measure, Leonardo has suspended international business travel and national travel within Italy. Exceptions may apply in special cases in order to maintain business continuity or for urgent and specific requirements, following careful assessment of potential risks and having put in place any safety procedures. As an international organization, Leonardo is constantly monitoring the situation both in Italy and abroad, and maintains close contact with national and international authorities in order to ensure employee safety."
Italy is currently the epicenter for COVID-19 concern in Europe, with nearly 4,000 reported cases and 148 related deaths as of Thursday night. The vast majority of the cases are in the country’s northern Lombardy region, which includes Milan and suburban Cascina Costa, home of Leonardo’s civil helicopter assembly plant. The Lombardy region accounts for 40 percent of Italy’s total industrial output. The virus has propagated through all of Italy’s 22 regions. The Italian government has closed all of the nation’s schools and universities through at least March 15 and canceled numerous public events.