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AW109 Trekker introduces all new degree of versatility for helicopter charter services in UK

Published: 3rd June 2019

As reported by Leonardo

Rome, 3 June 2019 –  Leading charter service provider Apollo Air Services of the UK is expanding its fleet of Leonardo helicopters introducing its first VIP AW109 Trekker light twin which adds to the existing fleet of six AW109 GrandNew aircraft. This achievement was announced by Leonardo, Apollo Air Services and Sloane Helicopters, the official sole distributor of Leonardo’s AW109 and VIP AW169 helicopters in UK and Ireland.

With a dedicated team working together delivering fast, safe, comfortable and versatile door-to-door luxury VIP charter services across the nation, Apollo Air Services manage and operate the largest fleet of AW109 GrandNew VIP helicopters in the UK from three main bases (Carlisle Lake District Airport, Cardiff City Heliport and Leeds East Airport). Apollo Air Services are leading the way in the corporate market. They are the first operator in the UK to gain approval to operate the AW109 in the Multi-Crew role and to fully integrate the Leonardo FFS simulator into their training philosophy. This commitment to invest in the development of the company enhances safety and ensures the future of the industry by allowing Apollo Air Services to recruit, train and mentor young pilots.

The supply of the AW109 Trekker, with operational readiness expected to start in Q4 2019, confirms customer’s trust and satisfaction with Leonardo and Sloane Helicopters. The newest Leonardo model in the light twin category with orders now exceeding 60 units worldwide, the AW109 Trekker maintains the outstanding performance, dynamics, cabin space and best-in-class VIP comfort. This combined with all new avionics is the first AW109 provided with skids, which will allow Apollo Air Services to provide VIP luxury charters with an all new degree of versatility. This is the first AW109 Trekker to enter the UK and Ireland market, with two further aircraft expected to be delivered within the next 10 months. Sloane Helicopters sees further strong sales order growth for the Trekker, and combined with the GrandNew they will continue to provide industry-leading solutions for the light twin-engine market.

Leonardo maintains its leading position in the world’s VIP/corporate market in the multi-engine helicopter segment thanks to the most modern and largest product range featuring state-of-art avionic and navigation systems along with class-leading performance, safety and comfort standards. They hold a 40% share, including private, charter and VVIP/Government transport services.