Saudi Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) and Leonardo announced at Dubai Airshow the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), that will strengthen the level of maintenance services for the growing fleet of AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Through this MOA, SAEI will enter a qualification process to be recognized as a Leonardo Authorized Service Centre in country for the bestselling AW139 model and will deliver basic maintenance for the type. The MOA also includes the addition of the AW169 helicopter and the AW609 TiltRotor in the future.
“We are delighted to be appointed as the first authorized Leonardo service center in the KSA for Leonardo’s AW139, AW169, and AW609 types,” said Captain Fahd Hamzh Cynndy, CEO of SAEI. “I am confident that our industry-leading capabilities will provide airline owners and operators with easy access to reliable, cost-effective and timely services, enabling them to achieve enhanced safety and efficiency while offering superior passenger connectivity and convenience.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, MD Leonardo Helicopters, said “We are honored to partner with SAEI to provide the growing fleet of AW139 helicopters in Saudi Arabia with the level of quality service their operators deserve to maximize the advantages of using the world’s best aircraft in its category. We fully share common values and goals on flight safety and efficiency. SAEI’s unique skills and expertise in aircraft maintenance services will be highly beneficial for the AW139 operations to effectively and timely serve their national communities.”
This MOA demonstrates Leonardo’s long-term commitment to the region and aligns to Leonardo’s focus on stronger support services and proximity. Enhanced services will help maximize the helicopter fleet’s mission effectiveness and safety for the benefit of operators, crews and the served communities. With more than 90 service centers 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.
The world’s most important helicopter program since its certification in 2004 and the bestselling type in its category, the AW139 has logged orders for over 1,200 units from more than 290 customers in over 70 countries to date. The type has proven extremely successful in the Middle East with over 150 units in service across the region for the wide scope of missions including corporate transport, emergency medical service, search and rescue, law enforcement, offshore transport, and government duties.
This story was prepared and distributed by Leonardo.
