Avincis – a leading provider of emergency air services – has announced orders for 15 Leonardo helicopters. The orders include 10 AW169s and 5 AW139s, with deliveries expected in the 2028-2031 period., to support both existing customers and the company's entry into new markets in Europe. The order is part of Avincis' program to modernize and strengthen its helicopter fleet and is consistent with its long-term growth strategy in offshore rescue and transport services to support the energy industry.
Three of the ten AW169s they will be deployed in Sweden in air ambulance configuration, to operate in the Uppsala and Västra Götalandsregionen regions under a ten-year contract awarded to Avincis by the local authorities. The program confirms the market's confidence in the excellent operational capabilities of Leonardo's helicopter model, "capable of performing critical life-saving missions with great reliability and in complex conditions with a high level of responsiveness, benefiting from advanced technologies and navigation and mission systems, high performance, and a versatile cabin," a statement explains.
The new orders also demonstrate the continued growth of Leonardo's helicopters across the full spectrum of tasks requiring rapid response to emergencies: medical assistance, search and rescue on land and at seaMore than 800 Leonardo helicopters currently perform these missions worldwide, primarily the AW139 and AW169 models. With a growing air ambulance market increasingly oriented towards larger, more capable aircraft, the AW169 and AW139 are proving to be a benchmark for operators seeking greater performance, more cabin space, and greater operational flexibility.
With total orders close to 400 units for each type of mission, the presence of the AW169 continues to grow thanks to its versatility and features such as the presence of an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) Mode power system which allows it to supply energy to the air conditioning system, electromedical equipment and radios when the helicopter is on the ground with the rotors stopped: this capability ensures an optimised use of the available time as well as greater safety and sustainability.
The AW139 therefore remains the absolute world leader in its weight/size category, and one of the most successful helicopter programs for the entire industry, with over 1500 units sold to more than 300 operators in approximately 90 countries and for multiple operational roles. The helicopter's transmission is capable of operating without oil for over 60 minutes, a unique feature that offers greater reliability and safety, particularly in medium- and long-range missions.
