Leonardo announced Wednesday that Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company (THC) and Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) had each ordered six more AW139 intermediate twin helicopters. THC also placed options for an additional 20 over the next 18 months. After delivery of its six on firm order, THC will have 49 AW139s and uses the type for search and rescue, air ambulance, and corporate/VIP transport.
Established by the Saudi Public Investment Fund as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 diversified investment plan, THC has been operating since 2019. It is the kingdom’s first and only commercial helicopter operator and has quickly built one of the largest commercial helicopter fleets in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, ADA will take delivery of its six AW139s between 2024 and 2026. They will join the company's current fleet of 33 Leonardo helicopters, which includes several models. ADA's AW139s are used primarily in support of the offshore energy industry.
ADA’s fleet of Leonardos logs more than 10,000 hours annually and is supported with MRO, training, and flight simulator services by the AgustaWestland Aviation Services Joint Venture in the United Arab Emirates.
Worldwide, nearly 1,300 AW139s have been sold to more than 290 customers in over 80 nations. Over 170 of those have been purchased by operators in the Middle East. The installed fleet of 1,130 has logged in excess of 3.6 million flight hours. The helicopter features a 60-minute run-dry main gearbox and more than 1,000 kits have been certified for the aircraft.