Following recent discussions with Leonardo, Cmte Eloy Biesuz, founder of Brazilian single engine helicopter operator Helisul Aviacao, has confirmed his commitment towards becoming a reference operator of the Kopter AW09 helicopter.

Helisul Aviacao had initially demonstrated its significant interest in the helicopter with the booking of 10 units at the 2016 Heli Expo. Over the years Biesuz and his team have continued to follow the progress of the programme, along the way recognising the constant improvements applied throughout the evolution of the prototypes. Helisul Aviacao remains keen to add the AW09 to its large fleet, to further build up the multirole capacity of its operations.

The commitment from both parties was reinforced following Helisul Aviacao’s recent visits to Kopter’s prototyping facility in Switzerland and the established industrial and service centres of parent company Leonardo in Italy, where modern customer training capabilities were demonstrated.

Making the best of the AW09 performance and cabin design features, Helisul Aviacao will position it as the go-to aircraft in its fleet to carry out utility missions in demanding conditions, sightseeing across the scenic landscapes of Brazil all the way to servicing urban mobility and corporate travel needs. With the AW09 added to the fleet Helisul Aviacao will also strengthen the public helicopter services that it is providing to the state and federal Brazilian governments.

At the recent 2022 HAI Heli Expo Helisul Aviacao also placed an order for two Robinson R66 helicopters.