Aerospace Defence Security

Leonardo to deliver two more AW139s to Toll Helicopters

Posted 1 March 2023

Leonardo saw the expansion of its fleet of AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters in Australia today with an order for two aircraft by helicopter operator Toll Helicopters (Toll) signed at AVALON 2023.

Image courtesy Leonardo

The helicopters will supplement a fleet of three AW139s currently supporting a range of activities including pilot and aircrew officer training, utility support to Australian Defence Force (ADF) exercises and emergency response and disaster relief missions and bring Toll’s fleet of AW139s to a total of 12.

The newly purchased AW139s will support Toll Helicopters contract delivery across two programs, a Crash Response Helicopter Service for the 1st Aviation Regiment in Darwin and the Army Commercial Helicopter programme currently based out of the 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville. The aircraft features searchlight, hoist, cargo hook, provisions for EO/IR equipment, to support a range of training and emergency response and disaster relief missions.

The AW139 has been sold by Leonardo in several State Government of the country to carry out a range of law enforcement, patrol and surveillance, maritime search and rescue missions and policing operations. It is used for law enforcement, EMS and parapublic missions. A fleet of over 60 units performs all of these missions today in Australia in addition to energy support and transport.

With over 60 aircraft selected by multiple operators in Australia, the AW139 is chosen for its suitability across a wide range of roles including Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), Search and Rescue (SAR), law enforcement, offshore and defence.

The AW139 has proven to be extremely successful platforms with military forces worldwide. It has developed a fine reputation for its performance in Search and Rescue, Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), special operations, homeland security, slow mover intercept, advanced training, utility and transport.

Toll Helicopters, headquartered in Brisbane, is an experienced provider of specialised mission-critical helicopter services and training for Government, Defence and the civil sector, specialised in helicopter emergency medical services, search and rescue operations, airborne law enforcement, training and logistics support. Toll is a Leonardo Authorised Training Centre with the only OEM-approved AW139 Full Flight Simulator in the Oceania region.