Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) carried out two flights with a Leonardo AW139 helicopter powered by SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) on 28 and 30 November in Abu Dhabi, establishing a regional record in the field of rotary-wing aircraft
ADA and Leonardo are actively committed to reducing the global impact that the aeronautical sector has with CO2 emissions
Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) and Leonardo today announced the completion of two flights with an AW139 helicopter from the Emirati operator powered by a mixture of conventional fuel and SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), which took place in Abu Dhabi on 28 and 30 November, hosting UAE authorities and industry representatives on board this latest flight. These are the first SAF helicopter flights carried out in the Middle Eastern country and in the region. The result obtained with these initiatives demonstrates the ability and real commitment of ADA and Leonardo towards reducing the global impact of CO2 emissions generated by the aeronautical sector.
On this occasion, the President of Abu Dhabi Aviation Mr. Nader Ahmed Al Hammadi stated that the company is committed to working with its strategic partners to accelerate the zero presence of CO2 in aviation, contribute to achieving the country's goals on the climate, increase and maintain efficiency in the use of fuel. He added, “We intend to reiterate ADA's commitment to supporting the UAE's aviation efforts to ensure sustainable growth and adoption of SAF in the future.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, Leonardo Helicopters MD, highlighted “These SAF flights carried out in the United Arab Emirates by an AW139 helicopter operated by Abu Dhabi Aviation have demonstrated what is possible in order to support the rapidly evolving sustainability requirements in the aeronautical field. This technology can produce real benefits in the Middle Eastern region, in all geographical areas in the world and for all missions and can be made available in a reasonable timeframe. We are committed to working with authorities, energy industry players and helicopter service providers to encourage the use of SAF fuel to support CO2 reduction."
HE Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said the civil aviation sector in the UAE is making significant strides to increase the use of SAF, underlining that the success of the first flight of a helicopter with the use of this fuel is an important result in support of the sector's efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. He added, “On 24 November, at the conclusion of the third ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) conference on aviation and alternative fuels and hosted by the United Arab Emirates, the world witnessed the launch of an operational framework on SAF fuel in Dubai which represents the beginning of a path towards a more sustainable future for aviation, in order to achieve the ambitious goal of 'zero emissions' by 2050”.
ADA and Leonardo have been collaborating for over 15 years. The operator has acquired a total of 33 helicopters to date, predominantly AW139s. Recently, ADA reached 100.000 flight hours with its fleet of Leonardo helicopters. Added to this are comprehensive local support, maintenance and overhaul services established in the country approximately ten years ago with the creation of the AgustaWestland Aviation Services joint venture and the subsequent addition of training and simulation capabilities.
The world's largest helicopter program since its certification in 2004 and the best-selling model in its category, the AW139 has received orders for over 1300 units to date, from more than 290 operators in over 80 countries, for all types of missions . The global AW139 fleet has nearly reached 4 million flight hours logged to date. This model features state-of-the-art avionics with advanced navigation and anti-collision systems to increase operational awareness and reduce pilot workload. It is unrivaled in terms of speed, power margins and overall performance and features the largest cab in its class with high modularity for rapid reconfiguration, as well as the transmission's unique ability to continue running smoothly for over 60 minutes even in the absence of lubricant for even greater reliability and safety. Over 1000 mission kits have been certified for the AW139 to date. The AW139 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C engines that provide high power, equal to 1700 horsepower each. The AW139 is supported by advanced digital capabilities for maintenance and training, both in terms of fleet data management and simulation for pilots, cabin operators and maintenance technicians. This year the AW139 helicopters carried out demonstration flights on SAF fuel in Japan and Malaysia.
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Abu Dhabi Aviation
Abu Dhabi Aviation, founded in 1976, is the largest commercial operator of helicopters in the MENA region. It has a fleet of nearly 60 aircraft, including more than 50 helicopters and several aircraft. It operates aircraft for various institutions. It has won numerous international aviation awards. It achieved the milestone of more than 1.000.000 flight hours. ADA was the first certified rotary wing aircraft operator in the UAE since 1976. It is the leading operator and maintainer of helicopters in the MENA region, conducting onshore and offshore operations, EMS services, VIP transport and many other services of aviation in the UAE and around the world. ADA is also a Leonardo maintenance, repair and overhaul center.
Leonardo
Leonardo is one of the leading industrial Aerospace, Defense and Security (AD&S) companies globally. With 51 thousand employees worldwide, it is active in the Helicopters, Electronics, Aircraft, Cyber & Security and Space sectors, and is a partner of the most important international programs in the sector such as Eurofighter, NH-90, FREMM, GCAP and Eurodrone. Leonardo has significant production capacities in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland, the USA and Israel, operating through subsidiaries, joint ventures and shareholdings, including Leonardo DRS (80,9%), MBDA (25%), ATR (50%) , Hensoldt (25,1%), Telespazio (67%), Thales Alenia Space (33%) and Avio (29,6%). Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2022 Leonardo recorded new orders for 17,3 billion euros, with an order book of 37,5 billion euros and consolidated revenues of 14,7 billion euros. Included in the MIB ESG index, the company has been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010.
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