Executive Summary:
Italian aerospace and defense manufacturer Leonardo has secured an order for 15 helicopters from Avincis, Europe’s largest emergency aerial services provider. The acquisition will expand emergency medical services, search and rescue coverage, and offshore transport capabilities across several European markets between 2028 and 2031.
The agreement covers ten Leonardo AW169 light-intermediate twin-engine helicopters and five AW139 medium twin-engine helicopters. Deliveries are scheduled from 2028 through 2031 as part of Avincis’ long-term fleet modernization and expansion strategy. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Avincis, headquartered in Portugal, operates one of the world’s largest emergency aviation networks, supporting helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), search and rescue (SAR), aerial firefighting, air ambulance, and offshore energy transport missions across Europe, Africa, and South America.
Deep Technical & Strategic Context Analysis
The order highlights a broader trend across Europe’s emergency aviation sector: operators are increasingly transitioning toward larger, multi-role helicopters capable of carrying more medical personnel, advanced life-support equipment, rescue hoists, and extended fuel loads without sacrificing performance. The AW169 and AW139 have emerged as two of the most successful platforms in this category because they bridge the gap between compact EMS helicopters and larger transport aircraft.
The AW169 occupies a unique position in the global rotorcraft market. With orders approaching 400 aircraft worldwide, it offers a modern digital cockpit, high power-to-weight ratio, and a spacious cabin optimized for medical evacuation missions. One of its most distinctive features is its Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) mode, which allows critical onboard systems, including climate control, communications equipment, and medical devices, to remain operational while the main rotors are stopped. This capability is particularly valuable during patient loading and treatment at accident scenes or hospital landing zones.
Meanwhile, the AW139 remains the benchmark in the medium twin-engine helicopter segment. More than 1,500 aircraft have been delivered to over 300 operators in roughly 90 countries, making it one of the most successful rotorcraft programs ever developed. The platform’s long-range capability, high dispatch reliability, and 60-minute run-dry main gearbox certification have made it a preferred choice for SAR, coast guard, offshore energy, and government operators worldwide.
From a strategic perspective, the contract reinforces Leonardo’s dominance in the civil and parapublic rotorcraft market at a time when European governments and regional authorities are expanding investments in emergency response infrastructure. Increasing climate-related disasters, offshore energy activity, and growing demand for rapid medical evacuation services are driving sustained demand for advanced twin-engine helicopters capable of operating in challenging weather and remote environments.
Contract Breakdown & Details
Order Composition
- 10 AW169 light-intermediate twin-engine helicopters
- 5 AW139 medium twin-engine helicopters
- Customer: Avincis
- Manufacturer: Leonardo
- Delivery Period: 2028 to 2031
- Contract Value: Not publicly disclosed
Planned Operational Roles
The aircraft will support:
- Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS)
- Air ambulance operations
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Maritime rescue missions
- Offshore energy transportation
- Public safety and emergency response operations
Swedish EMS Deployment
Leonardo confirmed that:
- Three AW169 helicopters will be assigned to emergency medical service operations in Sweden.
- The aircraft will support missions in the Uppsala and Västra Götaland regions.
- Deployments are tied to a recently awarded 10-year EMS services contract.
Existing Leonardo Presence Within Avincis
Avincis is already one of Leonardo’s largest civil rotorcraft operators in Europe.
Current fleet includes:
- Approximately 70 Leonardo helicopters
- Large numbers of AW139s
- Existing AW169 fleet
- Additional AW109 aircraft
The company became the first operator globally to exceed 5,000 flight hours on the AW169 platform during Swedish EMS operations.
Why This Order Matters
For Leonardo
- Strengthens its leading position in the European emergency services helicopter market.
- Expands backlog visibility through 2031.
- Reinforces the commercial success of both the AW169 and AW139 families.
- Supports a business segment that represented roughly a quarter of company revenue in recent years.
For Avincis
- Enhances fleet standardization.
- Improves operational flexibility across multiple mission sets.
- Supports expansion into new European service contracts.
- Provides greater capacity for growing EMS and SAR demand.
