27-Nov-2025Source: Kopter
With extensive flight testing on prototypes PS4 and PS5, key laboratory tests successfully completed, and our first production aircraft S6 fully part of the programme, the AW09 helicopter is demonstrating strong progress toward certification. “All the Leonardo and Kopter teams are fully engaged as we advance through the AW09 certification campaign,” said Marco Viola, Chief... Read more
24-Oct-2025Source: Kopter
The full-scale AW09 cabin mock-up will soon arrive in Manila, bringing Leonardo’s next-generation single-engine helicopter closer to customers across Southeast Asia. Leonardo is pleased to announce that the full-scale AW09 cabin mock-up is on its way to Manila, Philippines. Southeast Asia is among the world’s most dynamic helicopter markets, and the Philippines offers particularly strong... Read more
13-Mar-2025Source: Leonardo
Leonardo AW09 next generation single engine helicopter’s market footprint continues to expand with further demand and distributors reinforcing their commitment with new preliminary sales orders as the program development makes progress. Helitech Asia PTE LTD, based in Singapore, was appointed AW09 distributor in 2023 for Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam—markets with... Read more
17-Feb-2025Source: HeliHub.com
Helicopter industry data experts Parapex Media identified for HeliHub.com that the two Leonardo AW09 prototypes had not been flying for many weeks – to be exact, the last AW09 flight as this article goes to press was over 19 weeks ago on 5th October. As a new model pursues certification, this is a long break... Read more
26-Sep-2024Source: Helitech
SGi, a leading helicopter service provider in Indonesia, has signed a landmark deal with Helitech Asia, the exclusive distributor for Leonardo Helicopters in Southeast Asia and Korea, for the purchase of ten Leonardo AW09 helicopters. This milestone positions SGi as the nominated launch customer for Leonardo’s AW09 in Indonesia. The acquisition of these state-of-the-art AW09... Read more
26-Jun-2024Source: Leonardo
On the occasion of the first AW09 Sales Network event dedicated to distributors and partners recently held at Kopter’s facility in Mollis, Switzerland, Leonardo announced the appointment of Aero Facility as an official distributor for the next generation single engine type in Japan. Aero Facility signed Preliminary Sales Contracts for six units in March 2023... Read more
30-May-2024Source: Leonardo
At EBACE, Universal Vulkaan Aviation Pte Limited, appointed as Leonardo’s distributor for the Indian civil helicopter market earlier this year, signed preliminary sales contracts for five AW09s, growing the success of the new single engine in Asia. Furthermore, Universal Vulkaan Aviation Pte Limited also signed a contract for three helicopters including one AW109 GrandNew, one... Read more
28-May-2024Source: Leonardo
Leonardo unveiled a full-scale cabin mock-up of the next generation AW09 single engine helicopter at EBACE 2024 (Geneva, 28-30 May 2024) featuring an exclusive VIP-Corporate transport cabin layout and paint-scheme as one of the newly-developed options, marking the entrance of the new model into the Agusta-branded product range. By doing so, the market will be... Read more
28-Feb-2024Source: Leonardo
Leonardo and Sloane announced at Heli-Expo 2024 a major reinforcement of their collaboration in the UK and Ireland commercial helicopter market with the signing of Preliminary Sales Contracts for nine AW09 next-generation single engine aircraft, and new orders for two AW109 Grand New and two AW109 Trekker light twins. The Preliminary Sales Contracts for the... Read more
28-Feb-2024Source: Leonardo
Leonardo and Metro Aviation, a prime privately-owned HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) operator and service provider in the US, have announced the signing of a Distributor Agreement for the AW09 next generation single engine helicopter. Metro will act as a Leonardo distributor for the type in the US and Canada for all civil market applications.... Read more
26-Feb-2024
Leonardo is pleased to bring a connectivity solution that simplifies customers’ operations and maintenance and offers enhanced support. A joint Leonardo Services and Kopter Engineering team has designed and developed this solution, focusing on customers’ needs and addressing challenging regarding weight, form factor, and performance requirements. “The AW09 connectivity will significantly streamline our customers’ operations... Read more
28-Nov-2023Source: Leonardo
The number of global partners for the AW09 next-generation single-engine helicopter in the world market grows further with the announcement at European Rotors (Madrid, 28-30 November) of the addition of Léman Aviation, who has signed Preliminary Sales Contracts for ten units. Léman Aviation offers tailored solutions for customers looking for personal and professional management of... Read more
14-Aug-2023Source: Kopter
Leonardo’s distributor for the AW09 in Brazil, Gualter Helicopters (Aero Service Representação) signed contracts for three aircraft for executive transport. Leonardo’s leadership in private helicopter transport market was reaffirmed with new AW09 contracts announced at Labace 2023 with three different end-users in Brazil. These latest achievements for the AW09 in Brazil come a few months after... Read more
30-May-2023Source: Leonardo
On the occasion of Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2023 in Malaysia, Leonardo announced the recent appointment of Helitech Asia PTE LTD as Distributor for its latest generation single-turbine helicopter, the AW09, in Southeast Asia. At Heli-Expo 2023 in USA in March Leonardo had announced preliminary sales contracts for over 50 AW09s with... Read more
20-Mar-2023Source: Leonardo
The latest AW09 prototype, designated PS4 and featuring the new Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2K engine, performed its maiden flight in Mollis Switzerland on 16 March 2023. This flight lasted 20 minutes and successfully completed all set objectives, performing hovers at low altitude, spot turns, straight and sideways flights up to 20 knots as well as several... Read more
8-Mar-2023Source: Leonardo
Leonardo made major announcements at Heli-Expo 2023 (Atlanta, 7-9 March) landing global contracts and signing a key collaboration for the USA market for the AW09 helicopter as the next generation single engine programme moves ahead. Leonardo has signed preliminary sales contracts for over over 50 units with several customers worldwide including Aero Service Representação in... Read more
8-Mar-2023Source: Triumph
Triumph Group (TRIUMPH) [NYSE:TGI] announced that its Actuation Products & Services business in France has been awarded a development contract from Kopter, a Leonardo Company. The contract includes the manufacturing of the Kopter AW09 main and tail rotor control cables utilizing TRIUMPH’s industry leading flexball cable design. “As manufacturer of the only flexball control cable designed, qualified and certified... Read more
27-Jan-2023Source: Leonardo
Leonardo and Safran Helicopter Engines announced today they have joined forces to further enhance the capabilities and competitiveness of the next generation AW09 single-engine helicopter. The production aircraft will feature the 1,000 shp class of power Arriel 2K engine, the newest generation of the Arriel family. The selection of the new engine guarantees the most... Read more
27-Sep-2022Source: Kopter
Kopter had three successful days at the 48th edition of the European Rotorcraft Forum European Rotorcraft Forum (ERF) 2022 which took place this year for the first time in Switzerland, in the city of Winterthur from 6 to 8 September at the ZHAW (Zurich University of Applied Sciences), thanks to Leonardo. This edition brought again the... Read more
21-Dec-2021Source: Kopter
The AW09 third prototype (P3) is now fitted with new upper cowlings as part of aerodynamic improvements of the Type Certification design. The evolution of the helicopter has involved many aspects of the original design the most relevant of which are rotors, blades, flight controls and fuselage aerodynamics. All of these modifications are aimed at... Read more
5-Oct-2021Source: Leonardo
Kopter was very pleased to take part, together with its parent company Leonardo Helicopters, in the Symposium Air Mobility (SAM 2021) organised by the Swiss Aerospace Cluster in Lucerne on the 20th of September. For our group, it is essential to support such initiatives, as we are fully committed to playing a major role in... Read more
29-Sep-2021Source: Leonardo
During the past months, the AW09 crew made an in-depth evaluation of all improvements installed on P3 early 2021. Significant data were gathered in handling qualities and performance with a number of aerodynamic modifications tested. Also, assessments of the human factors confirm that the Garmin cockpit is well suited for the AW09. Evaluating the aircraft... Read more
9-Sep-2021Source: Kopter
Leonardo, the owner of Kopter since April 2020, participated on the 4th of September in the 25th anniversary celebration of the Hunterverein at Mollis airfield showcasing on static and flight display an AW189 super medium helicopter from its Training Academy. The AW189 is the largest type in the AW Family, reaching a gross weight of... Read more
21-Apr-2021Source: HeliHub.com
On the first anniversary of Kopter becoming part of Leonardo Helicopters, the Italian manufacturer has announced a new branding to bring the SH09 helicopter into the the Leonardo nomenclature – from now on it will be known as the AW09. The visual branding of the AW09 includes the Kopter logo after the “9”, which refers... Read more
13-Apr-2021Source: Kopter
Capt. Afruni – Chief Test Pilot of Leonardo Helicopters – flew again the SH09 Prototype 3 in Mollis, Switzerland, to assess the benefits of the retrofit implemented on the aircraft at the end of last year. As part of the close collaboration established between Leonardo and Kopter, Capt. Afruni, together with Andrea Castelli, Leonardo Chief... Read more
8-Feb-2021Source: Kopter
The SH09 third prototype (P3) recently took off, at Mollis, Switzerland, following a major modification. This was part of the planned product development roadmap, towards the final Type Certificate configuration, as presented by Kopter during the 2020 HAI exhibition. This modification programme was successfully implemented thanks to the joint efforts of the Kopter and Leonardo teams. It... Read more
7-Dec-2020Source: ZDnet
Leonardo-owned Kopter has fallen victim to a ransomware attack after hackers breached its internal network and encrypted the company’s files. After Kopter refused to engage with the hackers, the ransomware gang has published on Friday some of the company’s files on the internet. Read the full story here... Read more
13-Nov-2020Source: Kopter
Following a Board resolution of the Kopter Group AG, Marco Viola assumes the responsibility for the general management of the Company as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with immediate effect. Marco Viola brings to Kopter a long established career in aerospace, from a variety of positions at Leonardo Helicopters, in addition to his previous... Read more
6-Nov-2020Source: Kopter
Kopter participated in the digital edition of the AMTC 2020 (Air Medical Transport Conference) together with its parent company Leonardo, showcasing how the SH09 will ideally complement the existing Leonardo Helicopters product range on the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) segment. When seconds count, the SH09 is the helicopter of choice in the single engine class for a... Read more
23-Oct-2020Source: Kopter
Flight test activities have fully resumed at Mollis, Switzerland, having reassembled the third SH09 prototype (P3) after its return from Pozzallo. The flights at Mollis mainly concentrated on testing the new tail rotor and aerodynamic modifications for improved handling in the low speed envelope. Flights at altitude, in the local area, evaluated the handling characteristics... Read more
13-Oct-2020Source: Kopter
Leonardo announces that Marco Viola, currently in charge to lead Kopter integration, will look after the overall governance of activities at Kopter on behalf of Leonardo Helicopters. This step is taken as an interim solution as Kopter’s CEO Andreas Lowenstein has decided to step down from his current role and to pursue further opportunities outside... Read more
16-Sep-2020Source: Kopter
Since the resumption of the test flight activities in June in Pozzallo, Sicily, our third prototype (P3) has completed 40 flights, allowing testing of multiple aerodynamic modifications and configurations. The current configuration fitted on P3 has seen a significant improvement in smoothness and stability. Recent upgrades include an engine cowling extension for improved aerodynamics, a... Read more
24-Jun-2020
Leonardo, through Kopter Group AG (Kopter), has announced that the flight test activities of the third prototype of the SH09 single-engine helicopter (designated P3) have restarted in Pozzallo, Sicily, in Italy last week. The Kopter flight test & prototype maintenance teams arrived in Pozzallo earlier this month to prepare P3 and perform all necessary technical... Read more
9-Apr-2020Source: Kopter
Leonardo announced the closing of the acquisition of Kopter Group AG (Kopter) from Lynwood (Schweiz). The purchase price, on a cash and debt free basis, consists of a $185 million fixed component plus an earn-out mechanism linked to certain milestones over the life of the program, starting from 2022. The acquisition of Kopter allows Leonardo... Read more
24-Feb-2020Source: Kopter
Kopter Group received today from FOCA the certificate granting the Production Organization Approval (POA). This certificate confirms Kopter as a duly recognized Production Organization. It is attesting that Kopter has in place qualified personnel, the necessary methods, processes and procedures, as well as a reliable quality system. It is a major milestone for Kopter making... Read more
30-Jan-2020Source: Kopter
In March 2018 Rainier Heli International (Rainier) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Kopter North America (Kopter) for five (5) firm and five (5) SH09 options. Rainier has continued to monitor the development of the SH09 and based on the anticipated performance along with the operational cost advantages expected from the helicopter the company... Read more
30-Jan-2020Source: Kopter
Kopter Group AG (Kopter) receives additional orders in the Southeast Asian region from the leading operator in the Philippines, INAEC Aviation Corporation (INAEC). The SH09 helicopters are to be dedicated to urban air mobility operations with Ascent Flights Global Pte Ltd (Ascent). Kopter has signed an order for the purchase of one SH09 and one... Read more
28-Jan-2020Source: Leonardo
Leonardo has signed a contract with Lynwood (Schweiz) AG to acquire 100% of Kopter Group AG (Kopter). This move allows Leonardo to further strengthen its worldwide leadership and position in the rotorcraft sector; leveraging innovation, new capabilities and engineering skills which have been developed by the young, agile Swiss Company. Kopter’s SH09, a new single... Read more
27-Jan-2020Source: Kopter
Kopter pursues its flight test campaign in Sicily with its 3rd prototype (P3) having now reached more than 100 flights and being now equipped with a modified main rotor head and the next generation of main rotor blades. Both were successfully tested at the end of last year on the company’s whirltower in Ennetmoos, Switzerland.... Read more
22-Jan-2020Source: HeliHub.com
The European Helicopter Association (EHA) has launched European Rotors, an exhibition which will run in November 2020 in the German city of Cologne. It will be supported by EASA, along with airframe manufacturers including Airbus, Bell, Kopter and Leonardo, together with engine company Safran. To many observers, this is hardly a surprise. The EHA was instrumental in... Read more
20-Dec-2019Source: Kopter
Kopter Group is pleased to announce today the launch of its redesigned website. The new platform offers quick and easy access to essential information and features relating to its SH09 next generation single engine helicopter and its customer support & services offering. The new website has a clean uncluttered design, improved functionality and enhanced content... Read more
10-Dec-2019Source: Kopter
Kopter continues to expand the performance and flight envelope of the SH09 Prototype 3 (P3), while simultaneously increasing flight test activities in the flight test center located at Pozzallo, Sicily. P3 has now completed a full year of flight tests covering a wide range of adaptations and improvements all focused on delivering performance and enhancing... Read more
1-Nov-2019Source: HeliHub.com
Every potential helicopter manufacturer exhibitor – Airbus, Bell, Enstrom, Guimbal, Kopter, Leonardo, MD Helicopters, Robinson and Sikorsky – has decided against taking space at the upcoming Vertical Flight Expo, previously known as Helitech. Representatives from each of these manufacturers (or their UK distributors) have confirmed their position to HeliHub, and none of them appear in the... Read more
22-Oct-2019Source: Kopter
At the occasion of ADEX 2019 held in Seoul, South Korea, Kopter Group AG (Kopter) and Korea Aerospace Industries, LTD. (KAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for a close cooperation between the two companies. This framework officially launches the start of a collaboration between Kopter and KAI around local assembly, production, customization... Read more
7-Oct-2019Source: Kopter
The Kopter Flight Test crew has successfully performed a series of flight tests with the newly fitted and improved Main Gear Box (MGB) casing on SH09 Prototype 3 (P3). The flights performed with the retrofitted gearbox have already confirmed the expectations of Kopter engineers and crew: the new MGB runs more smoothly, is quieter and... Read more
22-Aug-2019Source: Kopter
Mollis being the home of Kopter, the company is very proud to support the organization of this unique event, during which all types of aircraft perform one after the other breathtaking in-flight demonstrations. On this occasion, Kopter is showcasing its SH09 prototype #2 (P2) on the static display, allowing visitors to come closer to the... Read more
15-Aug-2019Source: Kopter
Kopter Group (Kopter) is starting the active promotion in Brazil of its SH09, the next generation single engine helicopter, with the appointment of Gualter Helicopteros as sales representative & distributor. The partnership between the two companies was signed on the first day of the LABACE 2019 exhibition, which is taking place in Sao Paolo from... Read more
1-Aug-2019Source: Kopter
Kopter Group announced the signature of a Memorandum of Agreement with Paradise Helicopters for the purchase of four single-engine SH09 at Heli-Expo in 2018. Paradise Helicopters is one of the most trusted and recognized tour operators in Hawaii thanks to its 20+ years of experience. Calvin Dorn saw SH09 prototype #3 (P3) performing flight tests... Read more
24-Jul-2019Source: Kopter
Metro Aviation and Kopter signed an MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) formally recording Metro Aviation’s intent to purchase and take delivery of five (5) SH09 helicopters following FAA certification. Metro Aviation has evaluated and selected the SH09 due to its twin-engine cabin volume for a single-engine price tag and low operating costs while offering best-inclass speed,... Read more
28-Jun-2019Source: HeliHub.com
The State of Louisiana has reached a settlement claim with Bell of $9.5 million. This comes after Bell decided to abandon their development plans at Lafayette. As reported by Daily Advertiser, Bell was unable to reach their hiring goals at Lafayette. Louisiana has now leased the aviation facility to Kopter Group AG. ... Read more
17-Jun-2019Source: Kopter
In March 2019, Kopter transferred its third prototype (P3) together with a team composed of 20 flight test engineers, pilots and mechanics to Sicily to set up an additional flight test base in Pozzallo. Pozzallo provides the perfect operational conditions to conduct the SH09 intensive flight test campaign needed in the frame of certification. It... Read more
12-Mar-2019Source: Kopter
On Saturday, March 9, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards joined CEO Andreas Löwenstein of Kopter Group AG and other executives of the company, along with Mayor-President Joel Robideaux of Lafayette, Louisiana, Secretary Don Pierson of Louisiana Economic Development, and other officials to celebrate Kopter’s selection of Lafayette for assembly of its SH09 helicopters. The ribbon-cutting... Read more
11-Mar-2019Source: Kopter
During an event taking place today at Heli-Expo, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and Kopter Group’s CEO Andreas Löwenstein jointly announced that Kopter will establish a new production facility for its SH09 helicopter in Lafayette, Louisiana. Kopter will lease a 84,700 sq. ft. facility from the Lafayette Airport Commission, which owns the state-of-the-art helicopter assembly... Read more
5-Mar-2019Source: Kopter
During an event taking place today at Heli-Expo, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and Kopter Group’s CEO Andreas Löwenstein jointly announced that Kopter will establish a new production facility for its SH09 helicopter in Lafayette, Louisiana. Discover our video at: https://koptergroup.com/videos/10 Kopter will lease a 84,700 sq. ft. facility from the Lafayette Airport Commission, which... Read more
