North America’s premier business aviation conference and exhibition has made its grand return to Florida, providing an exceptional opportunity for Leonardo to engage with the business aviation community and explore the industry’s future while showcasing significant debuts.
The NBAA Business and Aviation Conference and Exhibition has returned to Florida after a four-year hiatus, with the event scheduled from October 18 to 20 at the Orlando County Convention Center. Leonardo has joined hands with the business aviation community to delve into the future of the industry. Alongside updates on VIP/corporate transport, the NBAA event will mark the introduction of its new VIP Agusta brand to the North American market. It will also feature the AW609 in a VIP configuration, making its first appearance at a business aviation conference, along with the static display of an AW109 GrandNew, set to tour the U.S. for demonstrations this fall.
With a global fleet of over 900 helicopters, supporting various passenger missions such as private transport, corporate transport, charter, scheduled services, and VIP/government transport, and commanding a 40% share in the world’s multiengine VIP helicopter market, Leonardo is the undisputed global leader in this sector. The same holds true in the United States, with robust sales in 2022 and a promising outlook. The world-class AW139 intermediate twin helicopter is gaining significant popularity in the U.S. as an increasing number of private transport operators appreciate its cutting-edge technology, safety standards, comfort, and exceptional performance in terms of speed, range, and endurance.
AW609 Set to Revolutionize Point-to-Point Private Travel
The new Agusta brand, previously unveiled at both EBACE and LABACE, has refreshed its distinct identity, adding more solutions and services along with technological advancements. This fusion of heritage and innovation was first presented with the all-new rotorcraft terminal named Casa Agusta, in partnership with Falcon Aviation, in late 2021 in Dubai. On the same occasion, the revolutionary AW609 tiltrotor was also showcased, and it will make another appearance in Orlando. The AW609 is transforming the world of rotary-wing aircraft, offering seamless travel between cities. The AW609 VIP configuration serves as the flagship for the Agusta brand, providing custom accommodations with various interior options. It empowers customers to choose from interiors with 5 to 7 seats, an optional galley, and a lavatory. With its point-to-point capabilities, it eliminates traffic, transfers, and runways while offering a luxurious travel experience, poised to redefine VIP travel.
Agusta’s Innovative Services
At NBAA, Leonardo will unveil its plans for new options and services dedicated to VIP/corporate helicopter operators under the Agusta brand. These include the Interior Moods layouts, a new integrated maintenance service plan, and a dedicated Agusta section in the Leonardo Customer Portal. Interior Moods, initially designed for the AW139, AW169, and AW189, introduces three fresh options, each inspired by iconic cities. These layouts feature stylish and distinct colors, materials, seat configurations, and onboard features, enabling customers to create their ideal environment that mirrors their unique preferences and requirements. Whether it’s the warmth and purity of “Florence,” the blend of tradition and innovation in “London,” or the energy and cosmopolitan vibes of “New York,” these options cater to diverse tastes.
The new “Agusta for YOU” helicopter service plan, tailored to meet the needs of corporate rotorcraft operators, aims to enhance aircraft availability, reduce inventory costs, and optimize expenses by covering both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of airframe/avionics components and other items. Initially encompassing the AW109 GrandNew, AW169, and AW139, the plan has intentions to expand to other platforms in the future. Additionally, VIP operators will have access to real-time progress tracking and status updates for their aircraft manufacturing and testing via the Leonardo Helicopter Customer Portal. These advancements are designed to meet exclusive requirements, making the ownership and operation of Agusta helicopters a comprehensive 360-degree experience from day one.
Leonardo’s VIP helicopters boast an array of technologies that enhance safety, comfort, navigation, mission effectiveness, support, and training. To illustrate this, alongside the AW609, Leonardo Helicopters is displaying an AW109 GrandNew on static exhibit at NBAA. The AW109 GrandNew caters to the market’s demand for a helicopter that seamlessly combines performance, speed, payload capacity, operational flexibility, and a lower environmental impact. Capable of operating in the most challenging weather conditions, it stands as a top-of-the-line light twin multi-role helicopter, offering the highest safety standards through advanced navigation and situational awareness technology.
