The contract, signed in December, guarantees exclusive access to the AW09, a Swiss single engine with four-axis automatic pilot that should be certified in 2025. It positions Amaro Aviation as launch customer in Brazil.

With a 45 per cent share over the last 10 years, Leonardo is a world leader in the twin-engine VIP/corporate helicopter market including private, charter and VVIP/government transport services.

Acquired three years ago by Leonardo, Kopter's AW09 complements Leonardo's product range in the long light single engine helicopter segment, introducing an all-new design aircraft to sustain long-term positioning.