Leonardo and SAEI sign maintenance services MOA for Saudi AW139 fleet

Dubai, November 14, 2021 — Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) and Leonardo announced today at Dubai Airshow (November 14-18, 2021) the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which 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 Center in the country for the bestselling AW139 model and will provide 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 have been designated as the first authorized Leonardo service center in the KSA for the Leonardo types AW139, AW169 and AW609,» said Capt. Fahd Hamzh Cynndy, SAEI CEO. «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 greater safety and efficiency while offering superior connectivity and convenience for passengers.»

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 that their operators deserve to maximize the benefits of using the best aircraft in the world in its category. We fully share the common values ​​and objectives regarding flight safety and efficiency. SAEI’s unique skills and experience in aircraft maintenance services will be highly beneficial for AW139 operations to serve their national communities effectively and in a timely manner.”

This MOA demonstrates Leonardo’s long-term commitment to the region and aligns with Leonardo’s focus on stronger support services and proximity. Enhanced services will help maximize the effectiveness and safety of the helicopter fleet mission for the benefit of operators, crews and communities served.

With more than 90 service centers in more than 40 countries around the world, Leonardo is committed to providing comprehensive and leading training and support services to bring unprecedented benefits to operators in terms of safety, quality, effectiveness, cost and sustainability as a cornerstone Leonardo’s BeTomorrow Strategic Plan 2030.

The most important helicopter program in the world since its certification in 2004 and the best-selling type in its class, the AW139 has registered orders for more than 1,200 units from more than 290 customers in more than 70 countries to date. The type has proven to be extremely successful in the Middle East with more than 150 units in service throughout the region for the wide scope of missions including corporate transport, emergency medical service (EMS), search and rescue (SAR), law enforcement, offshore transport (Oil & Gas) ​​and government duties.

SAEI has the approvals of GACA, FAA, EASA and several other regional and international authorities. Offers a wide range of integrated maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to civil and military aircraft owners and operators, both locally and abroad. SAEI’s services include aircraft, engine and component maintenance, as well as engineering, line maintenance, manufacturing, supply chain and logistics.

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