Leonardo: new helicopter service & logistics centre in Brazil achieves operational readiness

Leonardo has taken a further step forward to strengthen the level of quality services supporting helicopter operators in Brazil and Latin America with the operational readiness of its all-new Service and Logistics Centre headquartered in Itapevi, 30km far from São Paolo. This is the result of an R$60 million investment (approximately 9 million EUR) - the new site is based on an 80,000 m2 area, of which 6,000 m2 comprises buildings and infrastructures, and it can host up to 20 aircraft simultaneously. There will be the gradual addition of aircraft maintenance, training facilities and a range of industry capabilities such as painting and completion and the new centre will allow the expansion of service capacity by up to 50% compared to the previous dedicated site. 

Five-hundred Leonardo helicopters of various models used for a wide range of applications are in service throughout Latin America today, 190 of which are in Brazil and 120 of these aircraft are in the State of São Paolo. The new site is expected to host up to 370 aircraft every year to deliver its services, with the potential of further expansion. The missions that are carried out by Leonardo helicopters across the region include VIP/corporate and VVIP transport (over 220 units equal to nearly 25% of Leonardo’s global VIP helicopter fleet), offshore transport, rescue duties, law enforcement, fire-fighting, military roles. The most popular types include the AW119 single engine, the AW109 light twin legacy, the AW139 intermediate twin and, more recently, the AW169 light intermediate. The AW189 has introduced new capabilities into the region supporting the energy industry.  

In recent years, the continued growth in the region, along with the introduction of all new models for VIP, security, public service and offshore transport, means this latest service development will support Leonardo in meeting evolving requirements throughout the region. The new Service and Logistics Centre in Itapevi demonstrates Leonardo’s long-term commitment to the region and aligns Leonardo’s focus on stronger support services and proximity to operators. Enhanced services will help maximise the helicopter fleet’s mission effectiveness and safety for the benefit of operators, crews and the served communities. With more than 90 service centres in over 40 countries worldwide, Leonardo is committed to providing leading, comprehensive support and training services to deliver unprecedented benefits to operators in terms of safety, quality, effectiveness, cost, and sustainability as a cornerstone of Leonardo’s Be Tomorrow 2030 Strategic Plan.