News Release

First Leonardo AW109 Trekker VIP for Europe debuts at Monaco Yacht Show

The first Leonardo AW109 VIP Trekker helicopter for a European customer debuts today at the Monaco Yacht Show from Leonardo stand QA13/Quai Antoine 1er. The Monaco Yacht Show, which takes place from 25 to 28 September, is one of the most important international luxury yacht showcases. After the show, the VIP Trekker will fly to the United Kingdom for delivery thanks to Sloane Helicopters, Leonardo's distributor for over twenty years in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The privately-owned aircraft will be operated by Apollo Air Services and be available for VIP charter market.

The AW109 Trekker is the newest model within Leonardo's light twin-engine helicopter range. The Trekker joins a fleet of Leonardo VIP helicopters that lead the UK and Irish market: almost 100 aircraft with nearly 90% represented by the AW109 series (Power, Grand and GrandNew). This market is second only to Brazil where about 130 Leonardo VIP helicopters fly amongst 400 San Paolo helipads.

The helicopter manufacturer and the distinguished Italian style of its VIP helicopter designs are embraced around the world, boasting a 44% global share in the twin-engine VIP helicopter market. The company's fleet of 2,300 civil helicopters is used for law enforcement, offshore transport, utilities, search and rescue and VIP/corporate transport. More than 830 aircraft carry out a range of passenger transport missions including private, charter, scheduled flights, corporate, air-taxi, tourism and VVIP.

Leonardo's VIP helicopter models all share a strong commitment to high performance, versatility, safety, reliability, support and training services, design and a high level of customisation. The company features the largest range of executive, corporate and government transport helicopters, including the AW119Kx single engine 1.8 tonne, the AW109 series, the AW169, AW139, AW189 and the three-engine 16 tonne.

With the AW109 Trekker Leonardo is destined to increase its notable market share, thanks to features that combine the qualities of the AW109 Grand, long recognised by operators, including its spacious cabin, state-of-the-art Genesys Aerosystems avionics and skids, which are particularly suitable for landing on yachts. The combination is unmatched in terms of cost, effectiveness, technology and performance.

Sloane Helicopters will be maintaining two AW109 Trekkers in UK. Building on the qualities that have made the AW109 series the benchmark helicopters in its category, Sloane will be performing demonstration flights with the new Leonardo light twin inviting operators to learn more about its unique characteristics.