The HAI HELI-EXPO 2024, held in Anaheim, California, has garnered over 400 aircraft orders. The three most important helicopter manufacturers, Leonardo, Airbus Helicopters, and Bell Textron Helicopters, lead the list of procurement contracts.
Leonardo accumulated 209 aircraft, Airbus Helicopters has secured 149 firm orders, and Bell sold 6 helicopters.
Airbus Helicopters
For Airbus, the outset of HAI HELI-EXPO 2024 has been a resounding success, with a total of 149 aircraft sold to four clients.
The framework agreement with The Helicopters Company (THC) stands out as the most significant for Airbus Helicopters. The Saudi Arabian company ordered 120 Airbus helicopters of various undisclosed models, ensuring deliveries over five to seven years. Additionally, they confirmed eight H135s and ten H145s from a previous order.
Bristow Group signed a framework contract for the purchase of up to fifteen H135 helicopters, comprising five firm orders and ten options. The delivery of the first helicopter is scheduled for October 2024.
DRF Luftrettung and Airbus Helicopters announced an order for up to ten H145 helicopters, consisting of seven firm orders and three options. These helicopters will also be covered by the HCare Smart contract for DRF’s entire fleet, providing comprehensive parts-by-the-hour assistance.
Lastly, HealthNet Aeromedical Services placed an order for four H135 helicopters. These helicopters will be used to transport adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients throughout the state of West Virginia.
Leonardo
Leonardo has had a remarkable start to HAI HELI-EXPO 2024 with the signing of various agreements for the acquisition of 209 helicopters.
THC placed an order for 20 intermediate twin-engine AW139 helicopters and a multi-year framework agreement for over 130 aircraft. The contract for 20 AW139s aims to bolster the emergency medical services (EMS) and search and rescue (SAR) fleet in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with deliveries scheduled for 2025 and 2026.
Bristow Group concluded a framework agreement, including firm orders for 10 super-medium AW189 helicopters plus 10 options. The company currently operates 21 AW189 helicopters worldwide, with five additional slated for assembly in 2024. The new framework agreement covers a fleet expansion plan for the period 2025-2028.
Metro Aviation announced the signing of a distribution agreement for the next-generation single-engine helicopter, AW09. The U.S. company will act as Leonardo’s distributor for this model in the U.S. and Canada for all civilian market applications. The distribution agreement includes a commitment for 30 units, translating into preliminary sales contracts.
Sloane strengthened its collaboration in the commercial helicopter market of the UK and Ireland by signing preliminary sales contracts for nine single-engine AW09 helicopters and new orders for two AW109 Grand New and two AW109 Trekker light twin-engine helicopters.
Castle Air, a helicopter service provider in the UK, announced the addition of a third AW139 helicopter to its fleet.
Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, an authorized distributor of Leonardo in Japan, signed for three AW139 aircraft to meet the requirements of various future opportunities in the country.
Bell Helicopters
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department announced the delivery of three SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters,
