Leonardo regional distributor Sloane Helicopters has confirmed renewal of its distributor agreement for the 2022-2024 timeframe. The agreement covers the AW109 GrandNew, AW109 Trekker and AW169 types, and foresees a minimum of seven new helicopters purchased during the period.

An AW109 GrandNew has already been signed for under this agreement. This new contract expands the total number of helicopter orders by Sloane Helicopters this year to seven, all scheduled for delivery within 2023, clearly demonstrating the strong market demand in the UK for the class-leading light twin type.

Sloane chairman David George says: “We are delighted to continue and further develop our close partnership with Leonardo. The new Agusta branding focusses on an enhanced VIP customer experience. Combined with the helicopters' leading performance and safety characteristics, along with excellent support services, the Agusta helicopters are the clear leader in the VIP/corporate sector.”

Nearly 260 AW109 GrandNew light twins have been ordered out of 1,700 AW109 series units, confirming the AW109 as the most popular aircraft in its class thanks to its unmatched performance, cabin space and technology.

The distributor agreement has provided customers with continued benefits by dramatically reducing delivery times, product expertise and a full range of support packages.

The long-term success between Sloane Helicopters and Leonardo was established in 1995, when Sloane became the sole distributor of Leonardo VIP/corporate helicopter in the UK and Ireland. Under this collaboration, more than 100 Leonardo commercial helicopters have been delivered to operators and private users there.

Sloane Helicopters is also an authorised service centre, providing maintenance and support services for the majority of GrandNew and all AW169 VIP helicopters in the region, and is a type rating training centre for Leonardo Helicopters in the UK.