Leonardo Aw139

Twin Turboshaft

The AgustaWestland AW139 is a medium twin-engine helicopter that has become one of the most successful rotorcraft designs of the 21st century, with over 1,200 delivered worldwide since its first flight in 2001. Developed by the Italian manufacturer AgustaWestland (now Leonardo Helicopters), the AW139 was designed from the outset as a multi-role platform capable of serving commercial, government, and military operators with equal effectiveness. Its 15-passenger cabin, exceptional hot-and-high performance, and fully integrated glass cockpit made it an immediate competitor to older designs like the Sikorsky S-76 and Bell 412, and it quickly captured significant market share in the offshore oil-and-gas sector, emergency medical services, and search-and-rescue operations. The type's versatility is reflected in its operator base, which ranges from air ambulance services and police forces to heads of state and energy companies operating in harsh environments from the North Sea to the Gulf of Mexico. With a maximum cruise speed of 165 knots, a range exceeding 570 nautical miles, and the ability to operate from confined helipads on offshore platforms or urban rooftops, the AW139 occupies a sweet spot in the medium helicopter market. Its twin Pratt & Whitney PT6C turboshaft engines provide excellent single-engine safety margins, while its spacious cabin can be rapidly reconfigured for passenger transport, medical evacuation, or cargo operations. The AW139 also serves in military and paramilitary roles with dozens of air forces and coast guards, performing duties from troop transport to anti-submarine warfare, though the majority of the fleet remains in civilian hands. Its reputation for reliability, modern avionics, and relatively low operating costs has made it the benchmark against which newer medium helicopters are measured. SkyMeter has tracked 1,516 flights across 357 airframes and 43 operators, with MARYLAND STATE POLICE AVIATION COMMAND the largest observed operator.