Story ID: 
Leonardo Opens New Paris Service Center 
By: Mark Huber
Caption: Leonardo has opened a new helicopter service center at the Paris-Le Bourget Airport which will service the company's line of turbine twins.
Word Count: 206
Leonardo has established a helicopter service center at the Paris-Le Bourget Airport. The 21,500-sq-ft facility—which includes a maintenance and repair hangar as well as office space—began operations in mid-April and, in coordination with Leonardo’s Belgium logistics hub, will support the Leonardo fleet in France and Central Europe.

Initially, the service center will support AW109, AW169, and AW139 models with the AW189 added at a future date. With over 35 percent of Leonardo’s VIP/executive fleet of 900 helicopters operating in Europe—the world’s largest commercial helicopter market—the new facility will support Leonardo’s growing number of VIP/executive helicopters as well as the new Agusta VIP brand with a dedicated space. Leonardo currently holds 45 percent of the world’s twin-engine VIP/executive market including private, charter, and VVIP/government transport services. 

The company said the new center, “demonstrates Leonardo’s long-term commitment in the region and aligns to Leonardo’s focus on stronger support services and proximity. Enhanced services will help maximize the helicopter fleet’s mission effectiveness and safety for the benefit of operators, crews, and the served communities.” 

Leonardo helicopters are supported by more than 90 service centers worldwide in more than 40 countries.