The Republic of Colombia has selected Leonardo’s AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopter as the new presidential transport helicopter.
The aircraft will be delivered in a special VVIP configuration and is expected to be flown by the Colombian Air Force by spring this year.
Italian helicopter manufacturer Leonardo said the order would make the Colombian Air Force the first military customer of the type in the country and would expand the existing AW139 fleet in Colombia.
The AW139 has proven to be popular for civil transport operations and is supporting the Colombian oil & gas industry, with five units in service used by prime operator Helistar S.A.S.
The Presidential AW139 will feature an eight-seat configuration and will include a self-defense suite.
The AW139M military variant is also being proposed by Leonardo to respond to the multirole requirements of the Air Force, Army, National Police and Navy in Colombia.
