News
Leonardo AW109 Trekker growth with ICON deal in Brazil
August 16, 2018 By Helicopters Staff
Leonardo appointed ICON Aviation as an official distributor of the AW109 Trekker light twin-engine helicopter in Brazil. With five main bases in Brazil, ICON is a primary national player for business aircraft and helicopter sales and services.
The distribution agreement follows established charter services provided by ICON with other AW109 variants and the AW139 type. Leonardo explains the new distribution agreement may be extended to additional models.
Leonardo states this new agreement will strengthen its presence in the Brazilian helicopter market where the AW109 variants have proven popular for passenger transport duties and other roles. The company explains the AW109 Trekker is already successful in other Latin American nations like Chile.
In the future, Leonardo explains the AW109 Trekker will join a large fleet of its helicopters in Brazil, which amounts to more than 200 helicopters of various types across commercial, para-public, and military operators to date.
The company states it holds a leading role in the VIP/Corporate multiengine helicopter market globally with a 50 per cent share in 2017, based in large part on the introduction of new models like the AW169 light intermediate. Orders for close to 60 AW109 Trekkers have been logged by customers in Europe, North America and Latin America.
EASA certified in late 2017, the AW109 Trekker is the latest addition to Leonardo’s helicopter portfolio and the company’s first light twin to offer skid landing gear. It can be configured for a range of roles and, according to Leonardo, is well suited for EMS, utility, SAR, law enforcement, surveillance and passenger transport.
