Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) and Leonardo sign Memorandum of Agreement for maintenance services to support the AW139 helicopter fleet in Saudi Arabia
Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) and Leonardo announced today, during the Dubai Airshow (14-18 November 2021), the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen the supply of maintenance services in Saudi Arabia for the fleet of AW139 twin-engine helicopters, in consideration of the growing success of this model in the country. Through this agreement, the qualification procedure will be launched for SAEI to become an authorized Leonardo service center for basic maintenance of the AW139. The agreement also envisages the extension of similar services to the AW169 helicopter and the AW609 tiltrotor.
“We are delighted to become Leonardo's first authorized service center in Saudi Arabia for the AW139, AW169 and AW609 models,” said Fahd Hamzh Cynndy, CEO of SAEI. "I am convinced that our excellent industrial capabilities will ensure easier access for owners and operators to reliable, cost-effective and timely services, while also enabling them to achieve even more safety and efficiency, while offering even better connections." Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, said: “We are honored to collaborate with SAEI to provide the growing AW139 helicopter fleet in Saudi Arabia with the level of service quality that their operators deserve. This will allow them to make the most of the benefits of using the best helicopter in its class. We fully share common values and goals on flight safety and efficiency. SAEI's unique skills in maintenance services will be of great benefit to AW139 operations to effectively and timely support the national community. "
This agreement provides proof of Leonardo's long-term commitment to the region, in line with the Company's focus on ever-improving and close-to-operator services. The strengthening of these services will maximize the effectiveness and safety of the missions of the helicopter fleet for the benefit of the operators, crews and supported communities. With over 90 service centers in over 40 countries around the world, Leonardo is committed to providing cutting-edge and comprehensive support and training services to ensure unprecedented benefits to operators in terms of safety, quality, effectiveness, cost and sustainability. fundamental elements of Leonardo's Be Tomorrow 2030 Strategic Plan.
Company General Use
The AW139 is the most important helicopter program in the world since its certification in 2004 and the best-selling model in its class, with orders for over 1200 units placed by more than 290 customers in over 70 countries to date. The model has been very successful in the Middle East with over 150 units serving in the region for the widest range of missions including corporate transport, healthcare, search and rescue, law and order, offshore transport, government tasks.