Story ID: 
Léman Aviation Orders 10 Leonardo AW09 Helicopters
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: The order expands the AW09's reach in European markets
Word Count: 211
Léman Aviation recently signed preliminary sales contracts for 10 Leonardo AW09 single-engine helicopters. The AW09 is the former Kopter SH09, rebranded after Leonardo purchased the Kopter program in 2020.
Swiss-based Léman Aviation specializes in helicopter sales and acquisitions, management, co-ownership, charter, maintenance, and training. The company was launched last year by Nicolas Miras and Vincent Pollet. Miras is also CEO and partner of Alpes Hélicoptères in Annecy, France, which Léman Aviation purchased last year.
According to Leonardo, preliminary sales contracts for the AW09 reached 80 by the end of 2023, with other purchasers in North and Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
“The AW09 continues to generate a very positive response from all geographies worldwide as the program development progresses,” said Gian Piero Cutillo, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters. “Rotorcraft companies highly welcome the AW09 for its outstanding characteristics and multirole capabilities that represent a significant evolution compared to existing products in this category. The additional preliminary sales contracts signed now in Europe provide clear evidence of it.”
The composite single-engine AW09, which is expected to receive EASA certification by year-end, seats up to eight passengers and one pilot. It has a range of 423 nm and a top speed of 140 knots.