Story ID: 
Leonardo Logs Helicopter Orders from Asian Customers
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: HeliKorea opts for another AW139, while Japan’s Mitsui Bussan adds two AW169s
Word Count: 200
Leonardo inked a trio of firm orders for twin-engine helicopters from two longtime customers in Asia—HeliKorea and Mitsui Bussan—on Wednesday at Verticon 2026. At list prices, the combined deals are worth more than $40 million.
The South Korean commercial and public utility aircraft operator opted for another EMS-configured AW169, building on an order HeliKorea placed for three of the light intermediate twins last year. Founded in 1996, HeliKorea is the largest private helicopter operator in the country, conducting helicopter EMS flights in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare; offshore operations with Korea National Oil; aerial firefighting for local governments; cargo lifting operations for Korea Electric Power; simulator training; and MRO services for Korea Forest Aviation, fire departments, and the coast guard.
Meanwhile, Mitsui Bussan—Leonardo’s distributor in Japan—announced an order for two more AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters, with deliveries expected in 2028. This latest order is part of a framework agreement signed last year and based on a commitment to procure 11 new-production helicopters between 2025 and 2027. According to Mitsui Bussan, emerging public service requirements in Japan—particularly for law enforcement and firefighting duties—are driving market demand for helicopters such as the AW139.