by Mark Huber
Mar 9, 2023 – 10:56 AM
Leonardo announced Wednesday that Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company (THC) and Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) had each ordered six more AW139 intermediate twin helicopters.
THC also optioned an additional 20 for purchase over the next 18 months. After delivery of the new order for six, THC will have 49 AW139s. It uses the aircraft for a variety of missions including search and rescue, air ambulance, and corporate/VIP transport. ADA’s order of six AW139s will be delivered between 2024 and 2026 and will join the company’s current fleet of 33 Leonardo aircraft, which includes several models. ADA’s AW139s are used primarily in support of the offshore energy industry.
Worldwide, nearly 1,300 AW139s have been sold to more than 290 customers in over 80 nations. Over 170 of those have been purchased by operators in the Middle East. The installed fleet of 1,130 has logged in excess of 3.6 million flight hours. The helicopter features a 60-minute run-dry main gearbox and more than 1,000 kits have been certified for the aircraft.
ADA’s fleet of Leonardos logs more than 10,000 hours annually and is supported with MRO, training, and flight simulator services by the AgustaWestland Aviation Services Joint Venture in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Established by the Saudi Public Investment Fund as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 diversified investment plan, THC has been operating since 2019. It is the kingdom’s first and only commercial helicopter operator and has quickly built one of the largest commercial helicopter fleets in the Middle East.
