Gama Aviation and Leonardo announced a further reinforcement of their collaboration in delivering and maintaining advanced rotorcraft capabilities to the UK with an order for five more helicopters for emergency medical service (EMS) and Energy support operations. The announcement was made during Verticon 2025 (Dallas, TX, 11-13 March).

The contract includes three AW169 light intermediate twins with skid undercarriage and the 5.1t Increased Growth Weight (IGW) configuration for EMS and two AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters for offshore transport missions. Deliveries are expected to be conducted during 2027 and 2028. The agreement supports Gama Aviation and Bond Helicopters’ roadmap towards a gradual modernisation of the UK fleet as well as targeting strategic opportunities in the UK and Europe.

Options for further orders for AW169s and AW139s over the next five years and an agreement to maximise the maintainability and mission effectiveness of the fleet are also part of a wider framework agreement between Leonardo, Gama Aviation and Bond Helicopters.

This AW169 order marks the entrance of the 5.1t skidded variant of the type into Europe and the first in the global EMS market. These AW169s will be delivered in a baseline configuration for Gama Aviation to install their new in-house EMS interior and innovative patient loading system. Gama Aviation’s fleet includes seven AW169 EMS helicopters – making it the leading operator in the UK – in addition to providing management and maintenance services to AW169 VIP clients.

The addition of three AW169s with the latest specialized configuration will deliver up to 300kg of additional payload as well as further enhancing operations to unprepared terrains, thus allowing an even greater level of mission versatility and capability for life-saving duties.

The new AW139s will add to a fleet of four units for Energy support, based in Norwich and in a joint venture with Bond Helicopters. An additional new AW139 will join the existing offshore fleet this Summer (2025).

Marwan Khalek, Chief Executive Officer, Gama Aviation commented: “We are delighted to be placing this order with Leonardo for two AW139 and to be the global EMS launch customer for the evolved AW169, with an order of three helicopters. Strategically, the new aircraft are part of a fleet modernisation program that will see new assets delivered annually from 2025 to 2028 as we further align our capability with our clients’ requirements in the UK and Europe.”

Mark Smith, Managing Director, Special Mission, Gama Aviation commented: “Through this order we are building for the future, creating a portfolio of rotary assets that are equipped to efficiently deliver the complex missions required by our clients. To be the global EMS launch customer of the evolved AW169 demonstrates just how far we have come and the scale of our ambition in the UK and beyond.”