Leonardo Logs Helicopter Orders at European Rotors

Brazilian operator Omni Helicopters International (OHI) is growing its fleet with an order for a pair of Leonardo AW189 helicopters and one AW189K. The deal announced on Tuesday was one of several announced by the Italian aircraft manufacturer at European Rotors this week in Madrid, with OHI adding to the eight AW139s and two AW189s it received since 2021.

The AW189K is powered by a pair of Safran’s latest Aneto-1K turboshaft engines and will be the first of its type to operate in Latin America. The standard AW189 super medium aircraft uses General Electric’s CT7-2E1 engines. Both models feature a Safran auxiliary power unit and the main transmission can operate without oil for 50 minutes.

According to OHI, having both types in its fleet will give it flexibility to meet different mission requirements. The operator is mainly active in the offshore oil and gas sector and is preparing to support customers exploiting new reserves further from the coastlines of Brazil and Guyana. It is also looking to expand in onshore utility services, uncrewed air vehicle operations and urban air mobility.

“As we expand our fleet, we are investing in more sustainable and reliable air mobility solutions,” said OHI’s group CEO Jeremy Akel. “Our commitment to a customer-first culture drives us to adapt and innovate, ensuring we continuously advance pioneering air mobility solutions.”

In other new business, helicopter lessor Milestone Aviation has signed lease agreements for three Leonardo AW169 medium twins with Danish and UK helicopter operator Uni-Fly. The deal covers lease extensions for two of the helicopters and the placement of an additional AW169 later this year. The aircraft will be based at Uni-Fly’s facility at the Humberside, UK airport and will support offshore energy missions in the North Sea. Uni-Fly specializes in offshore wind farm helicopter hoist operations.

Separately, Léman Aviation has signed a preliminary contract for 10 Leonardo AW09 turbine single-engine helicopters, an addition that will bring total orders for the aircraft to 80. Headquartered in Switzerland and France, Léman offers aircraft management, brokerage services, maintenance, and training. 

This week, Léman also announced that it has become a certified installer of GPMS’ Foresight MX health usage and monitoring system for European operators.