Helicopter Spotlight: AW169 in focus

The Leonardo AW169 is a clean sheet design helicopter that targeted the market gap between the very successful AW109 and AW139 product lines.

Designed at the outset to share commonalities with the larger AW139 and AW189, Leonardo’s approach to the AW169 brings together design and certification standards, flying characteristics, and maintenance methodologies.

What’s more, the AW169, AW139 and AW189 have a similar cockpit layout, providing cross-type training advantages. The OEM suggests this results in a 40% reduction in time for pilots moving from one type to another.

The prototype AW169 first flew in May 2012, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A turboshaft engines offering 1,100shp each. EASA certification was awarded in 2015, and FAA certification in February 2016.

In late 2023, Leonardo announced a range of updates to the AW169, most notably a gross weight increase from 4,600kg to 5,100kg (identified externally by inward-curving stabilizer end-plates), and also production of the skid variant for the civil market (which was previously only available for military customers). The AW169 is, thus, the only helicopter in its weight category to be offered in both skid and wheel variants.

The gross weight increase opened the way for a new 11-seater configuration for oil and gas operations, including a modular fuel tank system and two additional emergency exits in the cabin. The gross weight addition is available to existing owners of earlier models as a retrofit.

Today’s Leonardo AW169 Marketplace

At the time of writing, AW169 production of civil and parapublic units stood at 203 helicopters, with all but two remaining in active use.

Over half the active fleet were deployed in emergency service roles, with EMS/SAR accounting for 58 aircraft (28.6%) and law enforcement a further 50 (24.6%). Leonardo has also found success in the corporate and VVIP market, with 28 units (13.8% of the fleet) utilized for that purpose. In the case of the Corporate/VVIP buyers, many moved up from the smaller AW109 model.

The energy market accounts for a further 36 AW169s, while 24 (11.8% of the fleet) support oil/gas production, and 12 (5.9%) are deployed in the wind farm sector.

The model's popularity in the EMS and offshore markets are reflected in the strength of the AW169 leasing market, with Milestone Aviation and LCI both having sizeable fleets.

The pre-owned Leonardo AW169 market has yet to develop fully for various reasons. Although it’s been approximately ten years since EASA certification was received for the model, many of the early deliveries went to long-term EMS contracts or to law enforcement operators and have not yet become available for resale.

Of those AW169 units that have been sold on the pre-owned market, most have been corporate/VVIP owners.

Where is the Leonardo AW169 Fleet Based?

As of this writing, the Leonardo AW169 active fleet is focused on Europe (accounting for 51%). A further 21% of the world’s fleet is based in Asia and Oceania, and 18% across the Americas. Of the remainder, three units are permanently based on ships, including one supporting the Polar Research Institute of China.

The biggest Leonardo AW169 operator is Avincis (14 units, including nine in Italy and five in Sweden). HeliService has nine, and is due to add two more units shortly. UK-based Gama Aviation has eight in its fleet, and Italian operator Alidaunia has the fourth largest civil market fleet with five.

Large law enforcement fleets include the Italian Finance Guard (20 units), Italian Carabinieri (11) and the Indonesian Police (nine).