Leonardo’s presence in the China’s civil helicopter market grows further with new orders and deliveries for the bestselling AW139 intermediate twin engine supporting the energy industry. CITIC Offshore Helicopter Company Limited (COHC) took delivery of three more AW139 offshore helicopters between the end of 2024 and early 2025, bringing to 13 the total number of aircraft of this type in service with the operator. Founded in 1983 as the first professional helicopter operator in China, COHC became the first Chinese Main Board listed General Aviation company on Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2000 and is still the only Publicly Traded General Aviation Company in China. COHC operates more than 80 helicopters for a wide range of missions covering Offshore Transport, HEMS and Utility roles. COHC is also the exclusive helicopter operator for China’s Polar Exploratory Missions. In addition, China General Aviation Company (CGAC), a leading player in the Chinese general aviation industry and one of the three major offshore Oil&Gas operators in the country, has recently signed for three AW139s plus one option, with deliveries to their base in Tianjin and Hainan Province expected in 2026.
These latest achievements confirm the leading role of Leonardo in the global energy industry market for helicopter operations, with a 60% share over the last five in terms of deliveries (value) worldwide, also extensively based on the AW139’s success for the task.
The significance of the AW139’s presence in China’s civil helicopter sector, with more than 50 units delivered to several operators over years for offshore transport, VIP transport, medical emergency response and public services, and market’s demand for a further development of the low-altitude industry has prompted Leonardo’s response with a further reinforcement of localized support to guarantee operators receive the level of technical service and training they deserve to maximize the capabilities of their helicopters, mission effectiveness and safety.
To do so, Shanghai Guojin Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Guojin), a Chinese financial services company characterized by financial leasing and operational leasing, and Leonardo have signed a procurement agreement to install an AW139 Level D Full Flight Simulator (FFS) in the country in 2026. This will mark the first Leonardo’s helicopter simulator in China, developed in accordance with the OEM aircraft flying data for maximized fidelity and high-quality training, aligning with the national stringent aviation regulatory requirements, enhancing and accelerating the training ecosystem of the AW139 locally for existing and future demand, and new opportunities, as the fleet keeps growing. Leonardo is also exploring with COHC collaborative opportunities in the setup of local training capabilities.
Being the world’s most important helicopter programme since its certification in 2004 and the bestselling type in its category, the AW139 has logged orders for nearly 1500 units from more than 300 operators in over 90 countries to date for all missions. The AW139 delivers outstanding capabilities, technology and safety to meet stringent requirements from operators for tasks in harsh conditions to maximize effectiveness. The type features state-of- the-art avionics with advanced navigation and collision avoidance systems to enhance situational awareness and reduce pilots’ workload, unmatched speed, power margins and overall performance, the widest cabin in its category featuring high modularity for rapid reconfiguration, a unique 60+ min run-dry capable main gear box for enhanced reliability and safety and up to 1000 certified kits.
More than 200 Leonardo civil helicopters of various types have been sold to Chinese operators to date for a range of both commercial and public services. Up to now, more than 120 helicopters of various types have been delivered for a range of both commercial and public services to serve Chinese customers, including AW139, AW119, AW109 and AW169 helicopters and more than 20 aircrafts including eight AW189s and 8 AW139s have been delivered to Chinese customers over the last three years.
This press release was prepared and distributed by Leonardo.
