UK and Ireland Leonardo distributor Sloane Helicopters has signed preliminary sales contracts for nine Kopter AW09 next-generation single engine aircraft and new orders for two AW109 Grand New and two AW109 Trekker light twins.

Sloane intends to extend its collaboration and distributorship mandates to include the AW09 on the continent, for which type the total number of preliminary sales contracts will soon exceed 100 units globally.

Chairman David George says: "On the back of record AW109 deliveries we are excited to embark on the next step of our journey with Leonardo with the AW09, an all-new airframe that represents a technological leap forward in the single turbine market. I was present at the AW09's initial ground runs some 10 years ago and look forward to introducing the UK and Ireland market to its class leading characteristics. We are confident it will become the benchmark aircraft in its category, alongside our current Leonardo offerings."

The AW09 continues to generate a very positive response from all geographies worldwide as the programme development progresses. Rotorcraft companies welcome it for its outstanding characteristics and multirole capabilities that represent a significant evolution compared to existing products in this category. The AW09 perfectly complements Leonardo's product range in the long light single-segment, introducing an all-new design aircraft to sustain long-term competitive positioning in this weight category.

The AW109 series continue to be highly popular in Sloane's reference markets, particularly for VIP/corporate transport. As the Leonardo regional distributor, Sloane has taken delivery of 14 AW109s in the 2022-2023 period and plans to receive six more this year. Under the latest order for four new units, deliveries are expected to be performed in 2025 and 2026.

In July 2022, Sloane confirmed its distributor agreement for the 2022-2024 timeframe, covering both types and the AW169 light intermediate twin model. Sloane became the sole distributor of Leonardo VIP/corporate helicopters in the UK and Ireland in 1995, since when over 110 Leonardo commercial helicopters have been delivered to operators and private users.

The distributor agreement has dramatically reduced delivery times and provided customers with product expertise and a full range of support packages. This has been further reinforced following the launch of the new Agusta VIP brand in late 2021 with its exclusive features and all-new service offer. Sloane Helicopters is also a Leonardo authorised service centre, providing maintenance and support services for the majority of GrandNew and all AW169 VIP helicopters in the region. Additionally, Sloane is a type rating training centre for Leonardo Helicopters in the UK.

Sloane has also acquired six delivery positions for four Robinson R44 and two R66 helicopters. The first is expected in February 2025. Sloane's aim is to stimulate the market by providing its customer base with early access to these highly sought-after production slots, ensuring efficient order fulfilment with reduced lead times.

George says: "We are thrilled to announce the placing of orders for six deliveries for Robinson Helicopters in 2025. Our longstanding partnership with Robinson and our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our customers have been pivotal in securing these positions, and we look forward to proactively working with David Smith and the Robinson team over the coming years."