The largest executive air transport fair in Latin America, LABACE (Annual Latin America Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition) is back this year in São Paulo, from August 9th to 11th, providing the Leonardo the first chance to update the regional market on what's next in its transport helicopter offering in the VIP/corporate area under the Agusta VIP brand.
LABACE marks the introduction of the new Agusta brand, with its range of dedicated services, during an aviation exhibition in the country.
Leonardo's global fleet of more than 900 helicopters, approximately 25% of which are based in Latin America, performs a variety of enger transport missions including private transport, corporate transport, charter, scheduled services and VIP/Government transport.
Leonardo maintained a leading share of 45% in the world market for multi-engine VIP helicopters in the last decade and continues to be a reference in Brazil in this sector, leveraged by the main differentials that made its line of dedicated models a standard for the sector: first-class speed , global performance, high levels of customization, exceptional cabin comfort, the latest navigation and mission technology, full certification and advanced safety standards, and distinctive Italian styling.
The new Agusta brand updates the factors that made the company famous and popular with global and regional operators, adding more solutions and services as technology evolves.
The first example of this combination of heritage and innovation was the inauguration of the new helicopter terminal called Casa Agusta — tly developed with Falcon Aviation — in Dubai at the end of 2021.
On the same occasion, Leonardo exhibited the innovative tiltrotor AW609, which is transforming the world of rotary wing transport, facilitating the connection between urban centers and bringing private airport transport services to cities through a fully operational terminal.
At LABACE, Leonardo will provide an update to the latest plans with new service options dedicated to VIP/corporate helicopter operators under the Agusta brand initiative. This includes new Interior Moods layouts, a new integrated maintenance service plan and a dedicated Agusta section on the Leonardo Helicopteros Customer Portal.
Interior Moods, initially created for the AW169, AW139 and AW189 helicopter types, consists of three new stylish interior layout options – inspired by iconic cities – based on colours, materials, seating configurations and specific onboard options.
These Moods will allow customers to select and create their ideal habitat, which perfectly reflects their tastes, while satisfying their needs: from the feeling of warmth, harmony and purity in 'Florence', to the coexistence of opposites in 'London' as tradition and innovation, and the energy and ion demonstrated by 'New York' and its cosmopolitan cross-fertilization of habits and behaviours.
The new AGUSTAforYOU helicopter service plan, developed specifically for corporate helicopter operators, aims to increase aircraft availability, reduce inventory costs and optimize expenses, covering scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of airframe/avionics components and other items.
The models initially included are the AW109 GrandNew, AW169 and AW139, but there are plans to extend to other platforms in the future.
In addition, on the Leonardo Helicopters Customer Portal, VIP operators will have a dedicated area to check the progress and status of the manufacturing and testing of their helicopters, also including images of the process. These steps aim to meet exclusivity requirements to show the customer that by choosing Agusta, from day one ownership and operation becomes a true 360° experience.
Leonardo's VIP helicopters also feature a range of technologies to safety, comfort, navigation, mission effectiveness, and training. As an example, Leonardo will exhibit an AW169 light intermediate helicopter statically at LABACE.
The only state-of-the-art helicopter in its class for over 30 years, the AW169 features a number of innovations not normally available in light multi-engine models, bringing substantial benefits to enger transport duties as well.
Cockpit and cabin comfort is ed by an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) mode capability, allowing key systems such as air conditioning, heating and radio to operate by harnessing energy generated by one of the two engines.
This contributes to an ideal use environment for on-board equipment, in any weather and geographic condition, without the need to keep the rotors running. These functionalities translate into greater safety, less noise, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions.
The AW169 is available with three undercarriage options: retractable or fixed landing gear and skids. The retractable landing gear option is fully electric, reducing weight and facilitating maintenance, in addition to reducing its cost.
The modern digital glass cockpit features touchscreen technology and a versatile representation of all key information, giving the pilot greater situational awareness and reducing the workload to focus on the mission and increasing safety.
Over the past year, Leonardo has also taken another step towards strengthening the quality level of services for helicopter operators in Brazil and Latin America with its new Services and Logistics Center in Itapevi, 30 km from São Paulo .
This was the result of an investment of R＄ 60 million (approximately 9 million euros) and the new facilities are based on an area of 80.000 m2, of which 6.000 m2 are buildings and infrastructure, and can receive up to 20 aircraft simultaneously.
Gradually, the company plans to add more aircraft maintenance facilities, training facilities and a range of industry capabilities such as painting and finishing.
The new center will allow the expansion of service capacity by up to 50% compared to the previous location, with significant benefits also for VIP operators.
The new location is expected to receive up to 370 aircraft per year for general services, with great potential for expansion. Missions performed by Leonardo helicopters in the region include offshore, VIP/corporate and VVIP transport, rescue tasks, law enforcement, firefighting and military functions.
Popular models include the AW119 single engine, the AW109 light twin legacy, the AW139 intermediate twin and, more recently, the AW169 light intermediate. The AW189 introduced new features ing the energy sector.
In recent years, the company's continued growth in the region, along with the introduction of new models, will help Leonardo meet the country's evolving requirements.
The new Service and Logistics Center in Itapevi demonstrates Leonardo's long-term commitment to Latin America and aligns the company's focus on more efficient services and greater proximity to operators.
The enhanced services will help maximize the helicopter fleet's mission effectiveness and safety, for the benefit of operators, crews and the communities served.
Street: Leonardo
