Leonardo's long established regional helicopter distributor for the UK and Ireland Sloane Helicopters (Sloane) has signed for three more AW109 Trekker light twin engine helicopters at EBACE 2025. The delivery of these VIP-configured aircraft is expected to be carried out in 2027 and add to the five AW109 GrandNews ordered in March this year.

The 30 years' collaboration between Leonardo and Sloane, which covers the AW109 GrandNew and Trekker light twins as well as the AW169 light-intermediate, has provided customers with continued benefits by dramatically reducing delivery times and providing them with product expertise and a full range of support packages, which also helps Leonardo to maintain its position as leader in the executive/private transport market in the UK and Ireland, among other applications. This has been further reinforced following the launch of the new Agusta VIP brand in late 2021.

This year marks the impressive 30th anniversary of Sloane Helicopters acting as a distributor of Leonardo products in the region. Under this collaboration, more than 100 Leonardo commercial helicopters have been delivered to operators and private users in the UK and Ireland. Sloane Helicopters is also an authorised service centre, providing maintenance and support services for the majority of GrandNew and AW169 helicopters in the region. Additionally, Sloane is a type rating training centre for Leonardo Helicopters in the UK. A distributor agreement renewal is now being worked on.

In 2024 Sloane was also appointed official distributor for the next generation AW09 single engine helicopter in UK and Ireland after Sloane had signed preliminary sales contracts for nine units. Sloane has been closely looking at the development and progress of the all-new single engine in recent years and is convinced it will become the benchmark aircraft in its category, along with its current Leonardo light category aircraft offerings.

Over 460 AW109 GrandNew and Grand light twins have been ordered out of nearly 1,700 AW109 series units to date, confirming the AW109 as the most popular aircraft in its class thanks to its unmatched performance, cabin space and technology.