North America’s premier business aviation conference and exhibition returns to Florida, allowing Leonardo to join the business aviation community in exploring the future of the industry, unveiling the introduction of its new VIP Agusta brand to the North American market as well as showcasing the AW609 in VIP configuration, marking the first time it has made an appearance at a business aviation conference.
Flagship
Present with an AW109 Grand New at the static display, which is scheduled to go on a demonstration tour in the U.S. this fall, Agusta is targeting significant growth in aircraft sales in the business aviation market. With a global fleet of more than 900 helicopters carrying out a range of passenger missions, including private transport, corporate transport, charter, scheduled services and VIP/government transport, and 40% share in the world’s multiengine VIP helicopter market, Leonardo is the global leader in this sector. The same is true in the United States, with strong sales to date in 2022 and growing potential. According to the manufacturer, the AW139 intermediate twin is proving extremely attractive in the U.S., as a growing number of private transport operators welcomes its latest technology and safety standards, comfort and overall performance in terms of speed, range and endurance.
The new Agusta brand, previously launched at both EBACE and LABACE, updates the distinctive look that made it a sought-after brand by adding more solutions and services, accompanied with technological advances. The first unveiling of this combination of heritage and innovation was presented with the all-new rotorcraft terminal named Casa Agusta, in partnership with Falcon Aviation, late 2021 in Dubai. On that same occasion, the innovative AW609 tiltrotor was also exhibited, as was again be the case in Orlando. According to Agusta, “the AW609 VIP configuration is the flagship for the Agusta brand with bespoke accommodations in a variety of interior options. It provides customers the flexibility to choose from interiors with 5 to 7 seats with an optional galley and lavatory. Combined with point-to-point capability avoiding traffic, transfers and runways while travelling in luxury, the AW609 is poised to transform VIP travel.”
Agusta’s all new services
At NBAA, Leonardo showcased plans for new options and services dedicated to VIP/corporate helicopter operators under Agusta. These include the Interior Moods layouts, a new integrated maintenance service plan and a dedicated Agusta section in the Leonardo Customer Portal. The Interior Moods, initially created for the AW139, AW169 and AW189, consist of three brand new options, all inspired by iconic cities. These layouts feature stylish and specific colors, materials, seat configurations and on-board options. They are designed to allow customers to select and create their ideal and perfect environment, mirroring their own distinctive wants, while are also meeting their needs. From the sense of warmth, harmony and pureness of “Florence,” to the juxtaposition of opposites like tradition and innovation of “London,” to the energy and passion of the cosmopolitan “New York.”
The new Agusta for YOU helicopter service plan, developed specifically to meet the needs of corporate rotorcraft operators, is intended to increase aircraft availability and reduce inventory costs, while optimizing expenses by covering both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of airframe/avionics components and other items. Aircraft initially included under this plan are the AW109GrandNew, AW169 and AW139, with a plan to extend to other platforms moving forward. In addition, on the Leonardo Helicopter Customer Portal, VIP operators will have an area where they can check-in on the progress and status of their aircraft manufacturing and testing, with images and in real time. Overall, these advancements are aimed at delivering clear answers to meet exclusivity requirement, making ownership and operation of a Agusta helicopters a true 360-degree experience from day one.
