The Leonardo AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopter will be the new Presidential Transport helicopter in the Republic of Colombia. The aircraft, in a special VVIP configuration, is expected to be delivered in spring this year and will be operated by the Colombian Air Force.
The supply of this helicopter will make the Colombian Air Force the first military customer of the
type in the country and will expand the existing AW139 fleet in Colombia. The model has already
proven successful for civil transport operations supporting the Oil & Gas industry, with five units
in service used by prime operator Helistar S.A.S. The Presidential AW139 will feature, among
others, an eight-seat configuration in the largest cabin in its category, the highest safety standards
and include a self-defence suite, typically integrated into other helicopters in the Head of
State/Government transport role.
The selection of the AW139 VVIP in Colombia confirms the leading role of Leonardo in the world’s
VIP multiengine helicopter market with a 40% share and grows the success of the type across
Latin America for a range or roles, including VIP and offshore transport, law enforcement and
public services. A successful model in the global military market thanks to its outstanding
performance in hot & high, payload, versatility, latest technologies and modern serviceability
approach often replacing the ageing UH-1 series, the AW139M military variant is also being
proposed by Leonardo to respond to the multirole requirements of the Air Force, Army, National
Police and Navy in Colombia. With over 400 civil and military helicopters in service in Latin
America.

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