Leonardo Logs Helicopter Orders from Asian Customers | Aviation International News

Verticon 2026

Leonardo Logs Helicopter Orders from Asian Customers

HeliKorea opts for another AW139, while Japan’s Mitsui Bussan adds two AW169s

Mitsui Bussan orders Leonardo AW169s — Mitsui Bussan placed an order for two more twin-engine Leonardo AW169 helicopters at Verticon 2026. © Leonardo Helicopters

By Chad Trautvetter • Online Editor

March 11, 2026

Leonardo inked a trio of firm orders for twin-engine helicopters from two longtime customers in Asia—HeliKorea and Mitsui Bussan—on Wednesday at Verticon 2026. At list prices, the combined deals are worth more than $40 million.

The South Korean commercial and public utility aircraft operator opted for another EMS-configured AW169, building on an order HeliKorea placed for three of the light intermediate twins last year. Founded in 1996, HeliKorea is the largest private helicopter operator in the country, conducting helicopter EMS flights in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare; offshore operations with Korea National Oil; aerial firefighting for local governments; cargo lifting operations for Korea Electric Power; simulator training; and MRO services for Korea Forest Aviation, fire departments, and the coast guard.

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