Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Leonardo AW09 composite single-engine helicopter

Matt Thurber

Léman Aviation recently signed preliminary sales contracts for 10 Leonardo AW09 single-engine helicopters. The AW09 is the former Kopter SH09, rebranded after Leonardo purchased the Kopter program in 2020.
Swiss-based Léman Aviation specializes in helicopter sales and acquisitions, management, co-ownership, charter, maintenance, and training. The company was launched last year by Nicolas Miras and Vincent Pollet. Miras is also CEO and partner of Alpes Hélicoptères in Annecy, France, which Léman Aviation purchased last year.
According to Leonardo, preliminary sales contracts for the AW09 reached 80 by the end of 2023, with other purchasers in North and Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
“The AW09 continues to generate a very positive response from all geographies worldwide as the program development progresses,” said Gian Piero Cutillo, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters. “Rotorcraft companies highly welcome the AW09 for its outstanding characteristics and multirole capabilities that represent a significant evolution compared to existing products in this category. The additional preliminary sales contracts signed now in Europe provide clear evidence of it.”
The composite single-engine AW09, which is expected to receive EASA certification by year-end, seats up to eight passengers and one pilot. It has a range of 423 nm and a top speed of 140 knots.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Léman Aviation Orders 10 Leonardo Single-engine AW09 Helicopters

The order expands the AW09's reach in European markets

According to Leonardo, preliminary sales contracts for the AW09 reached 80 by the end of 2023, with other purchasers in North & Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

Léman Aviation Orders 10 Leonardo AW09 Helicopters

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Leonardo AW09

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