Atlanta, 11 March 2026 - At Verticon 2026 (Atlanta, 10-12 March), leading commercial and public service helicopter operator HeliKorea has confirmed its trust into Leonardo’s latest generation technology for emergency medical service (EMS) duties with an order for an additional AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopter. This contract follows an order for three units placed in 2025.
HeliKorea was founded in July 1996 and has grown to become the leading private helicopter operator in South Korea. With a strong expertise on operations and maintenance, the company is engaged in a wide range of aviation services, including Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, offshore operations with Korea National Oil Corporation, aerial firefighting for local governments, cargo lifting operations for Korea Electric Power Corporation, simulator training, and maintenance (MRO) services for Korea Forest Aviation, fire departments, and the Coast Guard.
Through these activities, HeliKorea contributes to the development of the domestic helicopter aviation industry. The company is also an established operator of Leonardo EMS helicopters, currently operating a fleet consisting of three AW169 helicopters and two AW109 light twin-engine helicopters.
Designed with the principle of maximum flexibility, the AW169 continues to provide all new capabilities to operators looking for an ideal combination of light helicopter cost with higher category performance, payload, and cabin space, all combined with comprehensive and ever-growing support and training services. The spacious cabin of the AW169 accommodates up to two adult patient stretchers, allowing medical professionals 360-degree access to deliver critical care. Additionally, it features seating for up to four caregivers and wide doors that ensure safe and easy loading and unloading. The AW169 prioritizes both patient well-being and crew efficiency. Safety is also paramount on the ground, with high clearance of the main and tail rotor blades. When the rotor blades are fully stopped, an auxiliary power unit (APU) mode allows for the continued operation of heating/air conditioning, radios and electrical support for medical equipment. This feature can be particularly important to emergency response partners, like ground ambulances, on the scene of an emergency. The modern glass cockpit with touch screen devices allows the pilot rapid access to information and greater visualization and situational awareness. Onboard weather radar, satellite navigation and fully functional, four-axis auto pilot capabilities round out its features. Over 380 AW169s are on order today by operators in over 30 countries for the widest scope of applications including EMS, utility, VIP transport, energy support, law enforcement, disaster relief, firefighting, electronic newsgathering, and military duties.
Leonardo is an international industrial group, among the main global companies in Aerospace, Defence, and Security (AD&S). With 60,000 employees worldwide, the company approaches global security through the Helicopters, Electronics, Aeronautics, Cyber & Security and Space sectors, and is a partner on the most important international programmes such as Eurofighter, JSF, 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 (71.4%), MBDA (25%), ATR (50% ), Hensoldt (22.8%), Telespazio (67%), Thales Alenia Space (33%), and Avio (19.3%). Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2024 Leonardo recorded new orders for €20.9 billion, with an order book of €44.2 billion and consolidated revenues of €17.8 billion. Included in the MIB ESG index, the company has also been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010.
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