The AgustaWestland AW169 helicopter of Leonardo-Finmeccanica further strengthened its presence in the market with orders for aircraft from operators who’ve already experienced its capabilities and a new customer in the Republic of Korea.
Helikorea has ordered two aircraft for emergency medical service (EMS) missions in the Republic of Korea, where Leonardo has experienced significant success in recent years. Approximately 50 helicopters of various types are now in service or on order for military, parapublic and commercial roles ranging from naval applications, search-and-rescue, law enforcement, firefighting and VIP/corporate transportation.
The contract, which also includes an option for one additional aircraft, foresees deliveries by the end of 2016.
Furthermore, Lease Corporation International (LCI), based in Ireland, signed a further contract for three additional AgustaWestland AW169s at Helitech, in Amsterdam. This is the second repeat order LCI has signed for the AW169. These particular aircraft are expected to be delivered in mid-2017.
In 2016 LCI has already taken delivery of five AW169s which have gone on lease to their customers in the EMS, offshore and utility markets. In 2016 a total of 15 new AW139/AW169/AW189 helicopters have been, or will be, delivered to LCI.
At Helitech Leonardo has also signed a framework agreement with Specialist Aviation Services (SAS) of the United Kingdom for six additional AgustaWestland AW169s.
The aircraft, expected to be delivered between 2017 and 2019, will be used to expand the SAS EMS operations across the nation and to enter the rapidly growing offshore windfarm support market.
This latest agreement brings the total number of AW169s for the UK market to almost 20.
