Dallas, 11 March 2025 - Gama Group Limited (“Gama Aviation”) and Leonardo announced a further reinforcement of their collaboration in delivering and maintaining advanced rotorcraft capabilities to UK with an order for five more helicopters for emergency medical service (EMS) and Energy support operations. The announcement was made during Verticon 2025 (Dallas, TX, 11-13 March).
The contract includes three AW169 light intermediate twins with skid undercarriage and the 5.1t Increased Growth Weight (IGW) configuration for EMS and two AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters for offshore transport missions. Deliveries are expected to be carried out during 2027 and 2028. The agreement supports Gama Aviation and Bond Helicopters roadmap towards a gradual modernization of the UK fleet as well as targeting strategic opportunities in the UK and Europe.
The parties have also defined an agreement that allows Gama Aviation to purchase additional AW169s and AW139s over the next five years in conjunction with a collaboration to further maximise the maintainability and mission effectiveness of the Gama Aviation and Bond Helicopters fleet.
This AW169 order marks the entrance of the 5.1t skidded variant of the type into Europe and the first in the global EMS market. These AW169s will be delivered in a baseline configuration for Gama Aviation to install their new in-house EMS interior and innovative patient loading system. Gama Aviation’s fleet includes seven AW169 EMS helicopters – making it the leading operator in UK – in addition to providing management and maintenance services to AW169 VIP clients.
The addition of three AW169s with the latest specialized configuration will deliver up to 300kg of additional payload as well as further enhancing operations to unprepared terrains, thus allowing an even greater level of mission versatility and capability for life-saving duties.
The new AW139s will add to a fleet of four units for Energy support, based in Norwich and in a joint venture with Bond Helicopters. An additional new AW139 will join the existing offshore fleet this Summer. With the order announced at Verticon, the AW139 continues to be the most successful model in its class in the region for offshore and other roles.
Marwan Khalek, Chief Executive Officer, Gama Aviation commented: “We are delighted to be placing this order with Leonardo for two AW139 and to be the global EMS launch customer for the evolved AW169, with an order of three helicopters. Strategically, the new aircraft are part of a fleet modernisation program that will see new assets delivered annually from 2025 to 2028 as we further align our capability with our clients’ requirements in the UK and Europe.”
Gama Aviation - Notes to Editors
Founded in 1983 with the simple purpose of providing aviation services that equip its customers with decisive advantage, Gama Aviation Plc is a highly valued global partner to blue chip corporations, government agencies, healthcare trusts and private individuals.
The Group has three global divisions: Business Aviation (Aircraft Management, Charter, FBO & MRO), Special Mission (Air Ambulance & Rescue, National Security & Policing, Infrastructure & Survey, Energy & Offshore); and Technology & Outsourcing (Flight Operations, FBO, CAM software, Flight Planning, CAM & ARC services)
Bond Helicopters – Notes to Editors
Bond Helicopters is a joint venture between Gama Group Ltd (50%) and Peter Bond (50%). Bond Helicopters, specifically focuses operations toward the Energy & Offshore market and is part of Gama Aviation’s Special Mission portfolio.
More details can be found at: http://www.gamaaviation.com/
Leonardo is an international industrial group, among the main global companies in Aerospace, Defence, and Security (AD&S). With 53,000 employees worldwide, the company approaches global security through the Helicopters, Electronics, Aircraft, Cyber & Security and Space sectors, and is a partner on the most important international programmes, within these sectors, such as Eurofighter, NH-90, FREMM, GCAP, and Eurodrone. Leonardo has significant production capabilities in Italy, the UK, Poland, and the USA. Leonardo utilises its subsidiaries, joint ventures, and shareholdings, which include Leonardo DRS (72.3%), MBDA (25%), ATR (50% ), Hensoldt (22.8%), Telespazio (67%), Thales Alenia Space (33%), and Avio (29.6%). Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2023 Leonardo recorded new orders for €17.9 billion, with an order book of €39.5 billion and consolidated revenues of €15.3 billion. ncluded in the MIB ESG index, the company has also been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010.
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