Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

Leonardo inked orders for a dozen helicopters on the opening day of Verticon 2025. The ships will be primarily used for offshore, search-and-rescue, or HEMs missions.
Petroleum Air Services (PAS), which flies helicopters for Egypt’s oil industry, signed for five AW169 light intermediate twin helicopters with skid undercarriages.&nbsp;According to Leonardo, the PAS deal will mark the skidded variant’s entrance into the energy market.
Deliveries to PAS are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026. PAS, which already operates a fleet of six AW139 medium twins, was named an authorized service center for Leonardo last year.
UK-based Gama Aviation signed for five new helicopters in the light-intermediate category: two AW139s and three AW169s. Gama will use the AW139s for offshore transport missions, while the three AW169s will be employed for emergency medical services in the UK. Leonardo expects to begin these deliveries in 2027 or 2028.
Alaska’s North Slope Borough, the state’s northernmost borough, is looking to boost its emergency response capabilities with a pair of super-medium AW189s with full icing-protection systems. North Slope intends to use them for search-and-rescue operations, as well as emergency medical evacuations.

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

Leonardo Announces Helicopter Orders at Verticon 2025

Dozen helicopters ordered by customers in Egypt, Alaska, and the UK

Leonardo announces new helicopter orders from Petroleum Air Services in Egypt, Gama Aviation in the UK, and North Slope Borough in Alaska.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Battery technology remains insufficient for electric program progress

Airbus Orders Climb, CityAirbus eVTOL Program Pausing

Curt Epstein

The developing sector has seen turbulence of late.

VFS Assesses eVTOL Market Churn

Company has also launched a new rotorcraft leasing arm

THC, Rotortrade Fleets Expand; AAM on the Horizon

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Fireflighting mission is ideal for large rotorcraft nearing the end of their useful lives

First Firefighting Sikorsky S-92 Unveiled at Verticon

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Verticon 2025

In this article

Leonardo AW139

Leonardo AW169

Leonardo AW189

Leonardo

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