Leonardo’s helicopter division posted revenues of $3.53 billion for the first nine months of the year and “continued to show a positive commercial performance in line with expectations,” according to the company. The division delivered 120 helicopters during the period, versus 87 in the first nine months of 2022.
Orders were buoyed by strong military and commercial demand, including 18 AW169M LUHs (Light Utility Helicopters) for the Austrian Ministry of Defence; contracts relating to three AW159s and 10 AW109 Trekkers; the supply of 13 MH-139s to Boeing for the U.S. Air Force; six AW139s configured for offshore operations to Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA); and an additional six AW139s to The Helicopter Company in Saudi Arabia to be used in VIP rescue and transport missions.
For the first nine months of the year, Leonardo delivered five AW189s, reflecting continuing demand for the super-medium model. To date, it has delivered 90 and sold nearly 120.
Leonardo also is implementing measures to mitigate helicopter supply chain disruptions, including a digital solution for extended warehouse management to speed throughput, cut lead times, and improve end-to-end visibility; committing to more longer-term part lead time orders; second-sourcing specific components; increasing raw materials stock; more efficient management of vendor relations; and adding more localized repair capabilities.