Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) and Leonardo announced today at Dubai Airshow (14-18 November 2021) the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), that 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 recognised as a Leonardo Authorized Service Centre in country for the bestselling AW139 model and will deliver 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 be appointed as the first authorised Leonardo service centre in the KSA for Leonardo’s AW139, AW169, and AW609 types,” said Captain Fahd Hamzh Cynndy, CEO of SAEI. “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 enhanced safety and efficiency while offering superior passenger connectivity and convenience.”

Gian Piero Cutillo, MD Leonardo Helicopters, said “We are honoured to partner with SAEI to provide the growing fleet of AW139 helicopters in Saudi Arabia with the level of quality service their operators deserve to maximise the advantages of using the world’s best aircraft in its category. We fully share common values and goals on flight safety and efficiency. SAEI’s unique skills and expertise in aircraft maintenance services will be highly beneficial for the AW139 operations to effectively and timely serve their national communities.”