Alidaunia, one of the largest helicopter operators in Italy, is joining Leading Helicopter Academies, Europe's first helicopter training network that was established in June this year.

Founded in 1976, Alidaunia offers HEMS, firefighting and commercial transport, as well as its academy. It is also the only company that operates a scheduled helicopter service in Italy.

European Helicopter Center CEO and LHA spokesperson Anette Kruhaug Haldersen says: “We are very excited by this new addition to our network. Alidaunia is an excellent academy offering a wide range of training services, complementing our existing network and strengthening LHA's presence in Italy.”

While Alidaunia is specialised in training for professional pilots (PPL to ATPL and FI/TRI/Examiner ratings), it also offers a unique LIFUS programme, where low time pilots can quickly gain experience. The company excels in simulator training too, which includes full flight simulators (FFS Level D) for the AW109, AW139 and AW169 helicopters from Leonardo. Non-pilot training for technicians, nurses and others in helicopter-related skills, such as RNP 0.3 (H), NVIS, HUET, HHO and EMS, are also offered.

Alidaunia CEO, Vincenzo Pucillo adds: “We are delighted to join LHA because we see the many benefits of being part of a European network. We know the Italian training market inside and out, with specific training expertise in HEMS, offshore, mountain and specialised operations. As a Leonardo partner we provide training services all over the world.”