Heli Operations orders two Leonardo AW139s to support German Navy SAR training and offshore crew change

Portland, UK operator Heli Operations (Offshore Helicopter Services UK Ltd) has contracted Leonardo for two AW139 intermediate twins, expanding its AW139 fleet to six. The aircraft—configured in standard IOGP fit for crew-change and to support lead‑in SAR training for the German Navy—are due from Vergiate in late 2026–2027.

Discovered 2025-11-19T13:34:35.959330-08:00 | 2025-11-19T13:34:35.959330-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

The two-aircraft order raises the operator's AW139 fleet to six with deliveries in late 2026–2027, signalling continued market demand for AW139s in SAR and offshore crew-change roles; see recent activity in AW139 SAR leasing and conversions: https://hype.aero/?story=a257acfb-520f-4c12-a13c-7a34d2e37ff9
The type will support a German Navy lead‑in SAR training contract, underlining growing reliance on private providers for specialist military training and the need for AW139 training capacity; related simulator investments include a second AW139 full‑flight simulator due in H1 2027: https://hype.aero/?story=55792581-6ee7-4ba3-8d62-3fcd5ed07bc7
Deliveries from Leonardo's Vergiate final assembly plant affect OEM production planning and regional supply chains, a context made sharper by recent concerns over Leonardo's UK manufacturing footprint: https://hype.aero/?story=0e69088e-effc-4b7f-bcaf-531537eb1d57

Reported By

rotorhub.com Vertical Mag