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ADA orders five Leonardo helicopters

Abu Dhabi Aviation, described as the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East and North Africa region, signed a contract for five Leonardo helicopters, including three intermediate AW139s and two light-intermediate AW169s. Scheduled for delivery in 2020, these five helicopters are part of an agreement for 15 helicopters, including the AW139/AW169/AW189 types, announced at the end of 2015.

The agreement, which represents the first AW169 order by Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA), will expand the operator’s existing fleet of Leonardo helicopters, which already includes 16 intermediate AW139 helicopters. These aircraft primarily support the oil-and-gas industry.

“This agreement has come to support the oil and gas industry inside and outside the UAE and to satisfy the transport, air-ambulance and other needs,” said H.E. Nader Ahmed Al Hammadi, chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation. “It is in line with the company’s strategy to expand its fleet of new generation aircraft in order to meet its customers’ needs, in light of the expected high demand in 2020.”

Leonardo explains, that like ADA’s AW139s, the AW169s will also benefit from local support provided by AgustaWestland Aviation Services LLC, an Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) and Leonardo joint venture to provide support and maintenance services in the region.

The 4.8 ton AW169 is described by Leonardo as its new generation twin-engine light multi-role helicopter. More than 200 AW169s have ordered by customers worldwide.