Leonardo is delivering on its strategy to strengthen the level of support and maintenance services offered to its customer base in Germany and Europe through the appointment of HeliService International as an Excellent Service Centre. The 'Excellent' ranking is assigned to selected service centres that are focused on maintaining third party fleets with the largest scope of service capabilities while guaranteeing that Leonardo customers' stringent expectations continue to be met and specific market requirements considered.

With this appointment, HeliService will be able to deliver the highest level of service for the Leonardo AW109 light twin series, AW169 light intermediate, and AW139 intermediate twin types. The importance of these aircraft and their presence in Europe has constantly increased over recent years, with further potential in Germany going forwards. HeliService has been operating AW139s and AW169s for offshore wind farm support missions in the North Sea over the last few years, delivering outstanding operational capability and safety standards with ongoing successful expansion in Asia and USA, where three new AW169s will be operated from summer 2023.

Leonardo Helicopters SVP customer support and training worldwide services Vittorio Della Bella says: “We're delighted to reinforce our partnership with HeliService. With this service capability expansion HeliService will be able to deliver in Germany. The company's expertise in operating our helicopters in the demanding conditions of maritime and offshore wind farm environments makes it an even stronger supplier of quality support and maintenance to maximise mission effectiveness and safety, combined with the best aircraft and fleet management planning and efficiency.”

This latest step is in line with Leonardo's focus on stronger support services and customer proximity. With over 110 helicopter service and maintenance centres worldwide to date, Leonardo plans to establish at least one 'Excellent' centre in all of its strategic markets. The recent appointment of HeliService raises the number of service centres ranked 'Excellent' to six, including four in Europe, one in USA and one in Japan, in addition to those managed by Leonardo.

Roy Hurrel, head of maintenance at HeliService's main facility at Oberpfaffenhofen airport in Munich, says: “To be only one of six Leonardo Excellent Service Centres worldwide is a great confirmation of the quality of our work. Being part of this team fills me with pride.”