Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) to Leonardo they announced, during the Dubai Airshow (14-18 November 2021), the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen the supply of maintenance services in Saudi Arabia for the helicopter fleet twin-engine AW139, in view of the growing success of this model in the country. Through this agreement, the qualification procedure will be launched for SAEI to become an authorized Leonardo service center for basic maintenance of the AW139.
In perspective, the agreement also provides for the extension of similar services to the AW169 helicopter and the AW609 tiltrotor. “We are delighted to become Leonardo's first authorized service center in Saudi Arabia for the AW139, AW169 and AW609 models,” he said. Fahd Hamzh Cynndy, Chief Executive Officer of SAEI. “I am convinced that our excellent industrial capabilities will ensure that owners and operators have easier access to reliable, convenient and timely services, while also enabling them to achieve even more safety and efficiency, while offering even better connections.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, said: “We are honored to partner with SAEI to provide the growing fleet of AW139 helicopters in Saudi Arabia with the level of quality of service their operators deserve. This will enable them to make the most of the benefits of operating the best-in-class helicopter. We fully share common values and goals on flight safety and efficiency. SAEI's unique expertise in maintenance services will greatly benefit AW139 operations to effectively and timely support the national community."
This agreement provides proof of Leonardo's long-term commitment to the region, in line with the Company's focus on increasingly better services close to operators. The strengthening of these services will make it possible to maximize the effectiveness and safety of the helicopter fleet's missions for the benefit of the operators, crews and supported communities. With over 90 service centers in over 40 countries worldwide, Leonardo is committed to providing state-of-the-art and comprehensive support and training services to ensure unprecedented benefits to operators in terms of safety, quality, effectiveness, cost and sustainability, fundamental elements of the Strategic Plan Be Tomorrow 2030 by Leonardo.
THEAW139 it is the world's largest helicopter program since its certification in 2004 and the best-selling model in its class, with orders for over 1200 units placed by more than 290 customers in over 70 countries to date. The model has proved highly successful in the Middle East with over 150 units in service in the region for the widest range of missions including corporate transport, healthcare, search and rescue, public order, offshore transport, government duties.
