19 November 2025. Prime helicopter training service provider HeliOperations of Portland, UK, is set to expand its AW139 intermediate twin-engine fleet with a contract for two units announced at European Rotors 2025 (17-20 November). Deliveries are expected to be carried out between 2026 and 2027, bringing the total number of AW139s operated by HeliOperations to six. These aircraft will supply training and logistics/passenger transportation services to its customer base, leveraging the moderndesign and unrivalled capabilities of the world’s most successful type in its category.
Photos: Leonardo
This latest acquisition will enable HeliOperations to meet increased tasking under two major long term contracts:
- The seven-year agreement signed in October 2024 with the German Navy, providing comprehensive AW139 lead-in training for pilots progressing to the NH90 Sea Lion and Sea Tiger fleets. The programme is now underway with successive courses of four pilots each and will reach steady-state with up to 20 students in training at any one time. HeliOperations has trained German Navy aircrew at Portland since 2017 on the Sea King Mk5, before they returned to Germany to fly the Sea King Mk41 – another Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) platform – building a strong and enduring relationship with the German Navy.
- The recently awarded Royal Navy Fleet Helicopter Support Unit (FHSU) contract, replacing the Bristow FOST programme, under which HeliOps will deliver aircraft, technical support, maintenance, and flight crews for shipborne logistics and training missions in UK waters. Two AW139s on the UK Military Aircraft Register will be dedicated to this service.
HeliOperations has a demonstrated track-record of aircrew and ground crew training, both live flying training from its own heliport at Portland and overseas; and through synthetic-training at its simulator facility at Culdrose. The Company is proud of its exemplary record of safe and regulatory compliant operations in numerous locations globally, under EASA Part NCC and EASA Part NCO. The Company also provides equipment, regulatory support and operational management services to governments, major aviation operators and private individuals.
Steve Gladston, CEO HeliOperations, said:
The AW139 has become central to our future service delivery. These new aircraft enable us to continue providing high-quality, modern training to both the German Navy and the Royal Navy, while maintaining full operational flexibility. Leonardo remains our partner of choice as we invest in fleet expansion, new hangars, simulator upgrades, and next-generation training capabilities.
Jim Griffin, HoR UK & Ireland – Leonardo Helicopters, said:
HeliOperations has established an outstanding record delivering world-class training and support for its customers. We’re proud to see the AW139 underpinning that success and look forward to continuing our close partnership as HeliOperations expands its capabilities for both UK and international clients.
Press release
.@EuropeanRotors continues today with the announcement of the expansion of @HeliOperations' #AW139 fleet, with a new contract for two additional helicopters. This brings the total number of AW139s operated by the company to six, reinforcing the aircraft’s central role in… pic.twitter.com/UBJE6lFOcg
— Leonardo Helicopters (@LDO_Helicopters) November 20, 2025
