Story ID: 
Leonardo Signs 30-helicopter Chinese HEMS Deal
By: Mark Huber
Caption: This follows an order for 25 AW119Kx singles from Sino-US placed earlier this year.
Word Count: 170
Leonardo yesterday announced the sale of 30 more EMS helicopters to China. The order for a mix of AW139 and AW169 medium twins was placed by Sino-US Intercontinental Helicopter Investment, and deliveries are slated for next year.

This follows an order for 25 AW119Kx singles from Sino-US placed earlier this year. More than 180 Leonardo helicopters are now operating in China, with a record 20 delivered into the country this year .

The Sino-US helicopters will be operated by Kingwing General Aviation, parent company of Sino-US. Sino-US has ordered more than 80 Leonardo helicopters, including the AW119Kx, AW109 GrandNew, AW169, AW139 and AW189. Leonardo helicopters in China are supported by a newly opened customer warehouse in Shanghai.

Kingwing was established in 2006 and has quickly become the largest helicopter fleet operator in China. Its current EMS fleet consists of nine AW119Kx, one GrandNew and one AW139. It currently has agreements in place to provide helicopter EMS service to eight provinces nationwide and is expanding its operations.