Story ID: 
Bestfly Expands Leonardo Fleet
By: Mark Huber
Caption: Angolan operator Bestfly is expanding its fleet of Leonardo helicopters to support offshore energy. 
Word Count: 200
Bestfly is expanding its fleet of Leonardo helicopters configured for offshore energy transport missions in Angola with the purchase of an intermediate-twin AW139 for delivery in the third quarter. This aircraft adds to two previously leased AW139s and four AW169 light intermediate twins purchased at the end of 2021, which made Bestfly the first local operator to introduce the AW169 in the African market.

The company's fleet of 30 helicopters is expected to include seven Leonardo helicopters by year-end. Its AW139 and AW169 helicopters fly missions such as offshore passenger and equipment transport in the energy mining and tourism industries in Angola. More than 200 helicopters currently service the African offshore energy market, and over the last eight years Leonardo has nearly doubled the number of its aircraft in the region. 

Since being certified in 2004, Leonardo has accumulated orders for more than 1,250 AW139s from some 290 customers in 80 countries, and the fleet has logged in excess of three million flight hours. The helicopter features the widest cabin in its class, a more than 60-minute run-dry-capable main gearbox, and up to 1,000 certified kits. 

Helicopter and airplane operator Bestfly has an 80 percent market share in Angola.