Avincis Orders 30 Helicopters from Leonardo and Airbus

European emergency aerial services provider Avincis has finalized an order for 30 new Helicopters, splitting the acquisition evenly between Leonardo and Airbus to modernize its fleet for critical medical and offshore operations.

Announced in press releases on June 15, 2026, the procurement includes 15 Leonardo aircraft and 15 Airbus H145 helicopters. The new airframes, scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2031, will support Avincis’ long-term growth strategy across Europe, fulfilling major Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) contracts and expanding offshore energy support capabilities.

Leonardo fleet expansion and Swedish HEMS operations

The Leonardo portion of the Orders consists of 10 AW169 light intermediate and five AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters. According to the Manufacturers, three of the new AW169s are earmarked for deployment in Sweden.

These specific aircraft will support a 10-year joint HEMS contract covering the Uppsala and Västra Götalandsregionen regions. This agreement represents the largest joint HEMS contract in Sweden by economic volume. Avincis currently operates approximately 70 Leonardo helicopters and recently became the first operator globally to surpass 5,000 flying hours on the AW169 platform, a milestone reached in December 2025.

Airbus H145 selected for multi-mission versatility

The remaining 15 aircraft in the acquisition are Airbus H145 helicopters. Avincis plans to deploy these airframes across its operations in the Nordics, Italy, and Spain.

Avincis Group CEO John Boag stated that the combination of Airbus and Leonardo platforms will meet the future requirements of their customers. Boag noted the H145 provides the reliability and performance necessary for mission-critical operations in challenging environments.

Airbus Helicopters CEO Matthieu Louvot highlighted the aircraft’s adaptability for the operator’s diverse mission profiles.

“This agreement underscores the versatility of the H145 as a multi-mission powerhouse, capable of transitioning seamlessly from life-saving EMS duties to the demanding requirements of offshore wind and energy transport,” Louvot said.

Strategic growth and offshore expansion

The 30-aircraft order aligns with Avincis’ recent operational expansion in Northern Europe. In September 2025, the operator acquired Denmark-based KN Helicopters, signaling a strategic entry into the offshore wind market.

The incoming fleet of AW139s and H145s will provide the necessary capacity to service these offshore energy contracts while maintaining the company’s core search and rescue and HEMS operations.

AirPro News analysis

We view this split order as a pragmatic fleet strategy by Avincis, balancing the proven HEMS capabilities of the AW169 with the multi-role flexibility of the H145. By dividing the 30-aircraft procurement between two major European original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Avincis mitigates supply chain risks and Delivery delays that continue to affect the aerospace sector. The specific allocation of AW169s to the Swedish HEMS contract capitalizes on the operator’s extensive experience with the type, while the H145s and AW139s provide the payload and range required for the company’s growing offshore wind support portfolio following the KN Helicopters acquisition.

Sources: Leonardo