Leonardo AW109
Global Aviator|December 2019
The Leonardo AW109 is a lightweight, twin-engine, eight-seat multi-purpose helicopter built by the Italian manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A. The rotorcraft has the distinction of being the first all-Italian helicopter to be mass-produced
Leonardo AW109

High on the popularity list for VIP/corporate customers is the Leonardo AW109 with approximately 50% of sales being in this configuration. While certain helicopters in this class have been developed as VIP variants of the original machine, the AW109’s elegant appearance has been a feature of the helicopter from the beginning.

Developed as the A109 by Agusta, it originally entered service in 1976 and has since been used in various roles, including light transport, medevac, search-andrescue, and military roles. The AW109 has been in continuous production for 40 years. The AW109 is a lightweight twinengine helicopter, known for its speed, elegant appearance and ease of control. Since entering commercial service, several revisions and iterations have been made, frequently introducing new avionics and engine technologies. Leonardo have promoted the type for its multirole capabilities and serviceability. The type has proven highly popular with VIP/ corporate customers; according to Leonardo, 50% of all of the AW109 Power variant had been sold in such configurations.

Airbus choose to launch a VIP variant of the EC145 known as the Stylence in 2008 for corporate and private helicopter operators which has various aesthetic and technology changes from the baseline model to provide a higher level of passenger comfort. It features a luxury interior with a variety of seating configurations, leather seats, carbon fibre inserts, carpet, optional sliding wall in rear of the cabin and optional console with cold box. Eurocopter’s highend Mercedes-Benz Style VIP variant features several seating configurations for between four and eight passengers with the option of up to three multi-purpose cabinets via switchable rail-mountings, three trim and upholstery levels with wooden panelling, advanced in-flight entertainment system and adjustable ambient lighting. However, Pininfarina and Versace have both offered designer interiors for the AW109.

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