Catarina, 22 May 2026 - At Catarina Aviation Show (21-23 May), Brazilian leading retail company Havan placed an order for a second AW169 light-intermediate twin-engine helicopter in corporate transport configuration, with delivery expected to be performed from Italy’s Vergiate final assembly facility at the end of 2028.
This contract provides evidence of the customer’s satisfaction with its first AW169, delivered in late 2025, as well as its continued reliance on Leonardo VIP helicopters, designed and crafted under its exclusive Agusta executive brand, as Havan has already operated several AW109 light twins over the years. This second AW169 shares with the first aircraft a similar configuration, featuring hinged cabin doors and a 4+2+2 seating layout, among others.
The introduction of Leonardo helicopters has been instrumental in extending reach and enabling rapid access to locations, as the number of shops has grown over the last 20 years, both in opening new shops and in business management.
The success of the AW169 in Latin America is growing rapidly. A total of 30 units have been sold across Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay to date for various roles. Most of them were procured by Brazilian operators for passenger transport, law enforcement, firefighting, and rescue duties. The VIP/corporate transport role remains the most acclaimed in the country, with an existing fleet of 18 units and four additional aircraft planned for delivery and entry into service within 2026.
Latest certification standards, advanced navigation capabilities, high performance, cabin volume and comfort, customization possibilities and unique features, such as the APU-mode allowing the use of on- board equipment on-ground with rotors stopped, have been among the AW169’s key drivers for success in Brazil delivering passenger transport services.
In January 2026, the first Superior Performance Package-enabled AW169 VIP arrived for a Brazilian
operator. This standard features software and avionics enhancements, an uprated transmission, greater power output, and increased payload and structural/aerodynamic modifications to further improve overall performance.
The type also leverages localized advanced technical support services through Leonardo’s Brazilian
Service and Logistics Center in Itapevi, near São Paulo, which is now being further expanded with the addition of a new building to be completed by year-end, new services including enhancement of components repair and overhaul capabilities, as well as painting and completion. With this expansion, the Center will be able to host up to 28 helicopters at a time compared to today’s capacity of 20.
Designed with the principle of maximum flexibility, the AW169 continues to provide all-new capabilities to
operators seeking an ideal combination of light-helicopter cost with higher-category performance, payload, and cabin space, all backed by comprehensive, ever-growing support and training services. The AW169 prioritizes both passenger well-being and crew efficiency. 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 on-board equipment. The modern glass cockpit with touchscreen devices allows the pilot rapid access to information and greater visualization and situational awareness. Over 380 AW169 sare on order today by operators in over 30 countries for the widest scope of applications, including VIP transport, EMS, utility, energy support, law enforcement, disaster relief, firefighting, electronic newsgathering, and Government duties.
Leonardo is an international industrial group that develops multi-domain technological capabilities for global security. A key player in the major strategic programmes in Aerospace, Defence and Security, it employs over 62,000 people worldwide and operates in the Electronics, Helicopters, Aircraft, Cyber & Security and Space sectors. The company has a significant industrial presence in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland and the United States, and is active in 150 countries also through subsidiaries, joint ventures and investees. Leonardo is a technological and industrial partner to Governments, Defence Administrations, Institutions and businesses. Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2025 Leonardo recorded new orders of €23.8 billion, an order backlog of €46.6 billion and consolidated revenues of€19.5 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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