Leonardo has announced the delivery of one AW119Kx VIP helicopter with a 24,000 ft altitude kit to an undisclosed private customer in Chile. The altitude kit is designed to provide outstanding performance in the region's tall Andes mountain peaks. This latest handover adds to more than 20 helicopters already in service in the country including the AW119, AW109, AW139 and W-3A Sokol models performing VIP transport, firefighting, law enforcement and utility tasks.

The AW119Kx single engine helicopter is powerful and spacious, thanks to a strong and reliable Pratt & Whitney PT6B engine and generous cabin size. With a customisable interior, it seats up to six passengers and includes a large separate area for luggage. The helicopter features a Garmin G1000H glass cockpit for superior situational awareness and reduced pilot workload. Redundancy of all main systems provides similar safety and assurances of other leading light twin engine helicopters.

The cabin is able to host up to six passengers and features redundancy of all critical systems, typically available in twin engine aircraft, ensuring safety. Over 320 AW119 helicopters have been ordered to date in 40 countries by 130 customers. The new AW119Kx is suited to many roles including EMS, utility, fire-fighting, law enforcement, VIP/corporate transport, training and government duties.

Leonardo recently received IFR certification from the FAA for its TH-119 helicopter, a variant of its AW119 that is being offered to the US Navy. All AW119 variants are manufactured exclusively at Leonardo's Philadelphia, USA plant.