UK operator Gama Aviation and Leonardo are reinforcing their collaboration in delivering and maintaining advanced rotorcraft capabilities to the UK with an order for five more helicopters for EMS and energy support operations.

The contract includes three AW169 light intermediate twins with skid undercarriages and the 5.1t increased growth weight (IGW) configuration for EMS and two AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters for offshore transport missions. Deliveries are expected to be carried out during 2027 and 2028. The agreement supports Gama Aviation's and Bond Helicopters' roadmap towards a gradual modernisation of the UK fleet as well as targeting strategic opportunities in the UK and Europe.

The parties have also defined an agreement that allows Gama Aviation to purchase additional AW169s and AW139s over the next five years in conjunction with a collaboration to further maximise the maintainability and mission effectiveness of the Gama Aviation and Bond Helicopters fleet.

This AW169 order marks the entrance of the 5.1t skidded variant of the type into Europe and the first in the global EMS market. These AW169s will be delivered in a baseline configuration for Gama Aviation to install its new in-house EMS interior and innovative patient loading system. Gama Aviation's fleet includes seven AW169 EMS helicopters, making it the leading operator in UK, in addition to providing management and maintenance services to AW169 VIP clients.

The addition of three AW169s with the latest specialised configuration will deliver up to 300kg of additional payload as well as further enhancing operations to unprepared terrains, thus allowing an even greater level of mission versatility and capability for life-saving duties.

The new AW139s will join a fleet of four units for energy support, based in Norwich and in a joint venture with Bond Helicopters. An additional new AW139 will join the existing offshore fleet this summer. With the order announced at Verticon, the AW139 continues to be the most successful model in its class in the region for offshore and other roles.

Gama CEO Marwan Khalek states: “We are delighted to be placing this order with Leonardo for two AW139 and to be the global EMS launch customer for the evolved AW169, with an order of three helicopters. Strategically, the new aircraft are part of a fleet modernisation programme that will see new assets delivered annually from 2025 to 2028 as we further align our capability with our clients' requirements in the UK and Europe.”

Gama special mission MD Mark Smith adds: “Through this order we are building for the future, creating a portfolio of rotary assets that are equipped to efficiently deliver the complex missions required by our clients. To be the global EMS launch customer of the evolved AW169 demonstrates just how far we have come and the scale of our ambition in the UK and beyond.”