As a leading manufacturer in the VIP multi-engine helicopter market and a major producer of corporate helicopters flying in U.K., Leonardo is further growing its presence in this sector with the announcement of a renewal of the distributorship agreement in the U.K. and Ireland with its key partner Sloane Helicopters.
The agreement covers the AW109 GrandNew, AW109 Trekker and AW169 types over the period of 2019-2021. Under the distributorship agreement, Sloane foresees the purchase of at least eight new helicopters by 2021, with a contract for an AW109 GrandNew and an AW109 Trekker in VIP configuration signed at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE).
Sloane Helicopters said: “We are delighted and honored to continue our close partnership with Leonardo Helicopters. The AW109 series and AW169 helicopters have consolidated their positions as the benchmark for helicopters in the corporate/VIP market. As the sole distributor in the region for 24 years, Sloane Helicopters has an unrivaled understanding of customer requirements and continues to leverage this expertise by offering industry leading solutions throughout the sales process and after sales support.”
The partnership with Sloane has led to the sale of nearly 80 aircraft to date. Following the outstanding success of earlier variants of the AW109 and the AW109 GrandNew, the new AW109 Trekker has more recently found success with three aircraft ordered in the region to date. The AW109 GrandNew and the AW109 Trekker share the same powerful engines, dynamics, the most spacious cabin and the best performance and maximum cruise speed in the light twin class, while featuring different digital core avionics and with retractable landing gear / skids, respectively. Each provides customers with one more option depending on their specific operational requirements.
Combined orders for over 450 Grand/GrandNew and Trekker helicopters have been placed by customers worldwide to date.
