Story ID: 542
Leonardo Delivers AW119Kx Helicopters to Rwanda
By: Alexa Rexroth
Caption: Leonardo has delivered two AW119Kx helicopters to Akagera Aviation in Rwanda.
Word Count: 193
Leonardo Helicopters has delivered two AW119Kx singles to Akagera Aviation of Rwanda with customized convertible configurations to suit passenger transport or EMS needs. The aircraft will join an AW109 GrandNew and an AW139 currently in operation at Akagera. Rwanda was the first central African country to operate a dedicated EMS helicopter.

All four aircraft are suitable for the hot-and-high conditions in Rwanda. Their service will support local communities and growing tourism in Rwanda. The AW119Kx features a large cabin that can accommodate up to six passengers and redundancy of all critical systems typically available on twin-engine helicopters. The multi-mission capability of the aircraft is exercised in many roles, including EMS, utility, firefighting, law enforcement, corporate and VIP transport, pilot training, and public service operations.

Leonardo (Booth C3225) has experienced significant growth in Africa, with approximately 500 helicopters sold in the region. In the past 10 years, Equatorial Guinea, Congo Brazzaville, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya have proven to be significant markets for Leonardo in Sub-Saharan Africa. Akagera Aviation, headquartered at the Kigali International Airport, is the first tourist operator in the country and also conducts maintenance and training.