WionDrive News Desk 
Leonardo and key partners make strides in introducing advanced rotorcraft technologies and capabilities to deliver top-notch service and safety across passenger transport markets in Europe and Asia. The announcements were made during a dedicated event at EBACE 2024 in Geneva.
Léman Aviation and Sloane have been appointed official distributors for Leonardo’s next-generation AW09 single-engine helicopter. In February, Sloane and Leonardo strengthened their UK/Ireland commercial helicopter collaboration, with Sloane signing preliminary sales contracts for nine AW09s. Léman Aviation, headquartered in Switzerland, France, Monaco and the French Riviera, signed a preliminary sales contract for ten AW09s late last year, extending the new type’s market reach to Europe after previous announcements of partnerships in the Americas and Asia led to orders. A first French private customer also ordered one AW09 through Léman Aviation for passenger transport duties.
Leonardo is in advanced talks with Blueberry Aviation to extend their Central/Southern European collaboration to include the AW09 distributorship in those regions.
At EBACE, Universal Vulkaan Aviation Pte Limited, Leonardo’s new Indian civil helicopter market distributor, signed preliminary AW09 sales contracts for five units, growing the new single-engine’s success in Asia. They also contracted for one each of the AW109 GrandNew, AW169 and AW139, with deliveries expected in 2025-2026 – part of a ten-unit, three-year framework agreement highlighting their commitment to providing India’s booming aviation sector with advanced solutions.
Leonardo’s helicopter marketing/sales SVP Stefano Villanti said the EBACE achievements underscore their growing VIP/corporate competitiveness across single and multi-engine segments, steadily extending their value proposition’s reach to more passenger transport users and providers worldwide through modern, safe, sustainable technology and the exclusive Agusta brand.
The AW09 program continues gaining positive global traction as development progresses, welcomed by companies and private operators for its outstanding multi-role capabilities representing a leap over existing single-engine products. As a true digital, connected helicopter, it enables unmatched technical support, maintenance and flight efficiency/safety data capabilities. With over 100 preliminary global sales, steady growth continues.
Joining Leonardo’s Agusta-branded VIP/corporate range combines the AW09’s superior long-light single-engine cabin space, modularity and technology with distinguished customization, comfort, passenger experience and service. A full-scale Agusta AW09 mock-up at EBACE attracted keen interest for its standout cabin features and external footprint.
