Universal Vulkaan Aviation (UVA), Leonardo’s authorised distributor for the Indian civil helicopter market, has signed a contract for two AW169 light intermediate twin-engine helicopters. The aircraft will be configured for VIP/corporate transport, further consolidating Leonardo’s leadership in the global VIP multiengine helicopter segment and expanding the AW169’s footprint in India.

This latest milestone reached is part of a broader framework agreement announced in 2024, under which UVA committed to acquiring 10 helicopters over three years from Leonardo’s AW109, AW169 and AW139 product families.

Building on Leonardo’s well-established position in India’s offshore helicopter segment, this development into VIP/corporate applications is a natural evolution, reflecting the increasing demand for safe, reliable and high-performance transport solutions among private and business customers. The AW169, with its advanced technology, spacious cabin and superior performance in hot and high conditions, is ideally suited to meet these requirements.

Leonardo’s success in India is also underpinned by a structured and growing network of MRO and support services across the country, ensuring high fleet availability and operational readiness for operators. Through close collaboration with partners like UVA, Leonardo continues to deliver tailored, end-to-end solutions for a rapidly evolving civil aviation market.

Additionally, in 2024, UVA signed preliminary sales contracts for five AW09 next-generation light single-engine helicopters, further broadening Leonardo’s product offering and reinforcing its commitment to long-term growth in India.