Press Release

Issued by Leonardo Helicopters.

December 14, 2016

Leonardo-Finmeccanica and Chinese company Sino-US Intercontinental Helicopter Investment announced today the signature of a contract for 30 helicopters in EMS (emergency medical service) configuration comprising the AgustaWestland AW139 intermediate and AW169 light intermediate twin engine models. The aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2017 and will be operated by Kingwing General Aviation, the parent company of Sino-US.

With this contract, the presence of Leonardo in China grows stronger with more than 180 helicopters sold to Chinese customers to date, and with 2016 setting a new record with more than 20 helicopters delivered to China this year. The order follows a contract signed by Sino-US earlier this year for 25 AW119Kx helicopters which paved the path for the establishment of the largest EMS helicopter programme nationwide in China. Sino-US Intercontinental has so far placed orders for over 80 helicopters comprising AW119Kx, GrandNew, AW169, AW139 and AW189 models. The growing fleet is reinforced by a similarly growing customer support presence, recently confirmed by the opening of a major warehouse facility in Shanghai.

Shanghai Kingwing General Aviation Co., Ltd (SKGA) is a CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) certified Class-A general aviation company. Established in 2006, SKGA has now become one of leading general aviation companies in China with the largest helicopter fleet, strongest operating capabilities and highest operating experience. SKGA has signed collaboration agreements with many hospitals and emergency centers in China, starting to offer air ambulance services in eight provinces and is gradually expanding EMS operations across the nation. So far, SKGA has fielded 11 EMS helicopters including nine EMS configured AW119Kx, one GrandNew and one AW139.

Sino-US Intercontinental (Sino-US Intercontinental Helicopter Investment Co. Ltd) is part of Shanghai Zenisun Investment Group, a large conglomerate corporation which focuses on real estate and general aviation. The company has been undertaking helicopter sales and operations in China since 2006, providing a one-stop service for helicopter purchase, import, operation, management, support and training as well as airport construction.