Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Leonardo inked a trio of firm orders for twin-engine helicopters from two longtime customers in Asia—HeliKorea and Mitsui Bussan—on Wednesday at Verticon 2026. At list prices, the deals are worth more than $40 million.
The South Korean commercial and public utility aircraft operator opted for another EMS-configured AW169, building on an order HeliKorea placed for three of the light intermediate twins last year. Founded in 1996, HeliKorea is the largest private helicopter operator in the country, conducting helicopter EMS flights in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare; offshore operations with Korea National Oil; aerial firefighting for local governments; cargo lifting operations for Korea Electric Power; simulator training; and MRO services for Korea Forest Aviation, fire departments, and the coast guard.
Meanwhile, Mitsui Bussan—Leonardo’s distributor in Japan—announced an order for two more AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters, with deliveries expected in 2028. This latest order is part of a framework agreement signed last year and based on a commitment to procure 11 new-production helicopters between 2025 and 2027. According to Mitsui Bussan, emerging public service requirements in Japan—particularly for law enforcement and firefighting duties—are driving market demand for helicopters such as the AW139.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Leonardo Logs Helicopter Orders from Asian Customers

HeliKorea opts for another AW139, while Japan’s Mitsui Bussan adds two AW169s

Leonardo inked a trio of firm orders for twin-engine helicopters from two longtime customers in Asia—HeliKorea and Mitsui Bussan—at Verticon 2026.

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Orders include firm helicopters and multi-aircraft framework agreements

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Verticon 2026

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Leonardo AW139

Leonardo AW169

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