AW189 from Leonardo S.p.A. - long-range workhorse with quiet cabin

Reviewed: ad hoc news Classics & Longseller desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-28, 06:27. Details in the imprint.

The AW189 from Leonardo lifts off from a rain-speckled helideck, cabin lights low, rotor thrum damped to a steady hum that lets crews talk without shouting. Boots clatter on the non-slip floor, hands slide over solid grab rails, everything feels built for long, rough shifts.

What the AW189 is built for

Leonardo positions the AW189 as a super-medium helicopter for long-range missions such as offshore transport, search and rescue, and law-enforcement duties. It sits above the AW169 and below heavy twins, giving operators a flexible workhorse for demanding routes.

The twin-engine design, wide cabin and high cruising speed target operators who need to move up to 19 people or substantial equipment between shore bases and remote platforms. Pilots get a modern glass cockpit aimed at reducing workload in poor weather and at night.

How it feels on board

Step into the AW189 cabin and the first impression is space: wide aisle, tall ceiling, and large windows that keep the sea horizon visible rather than turning the interior into a tunnel. Seat cushions feel firm rather than plush, tuned for durability and hours of use.

Noise levels are noticeably lower than older-generation workhorses, which matters when a safety officer is briefing a tired night crew. The air-conditioning keeps the cabin from feeling stuffy even with survival suits zipped up, a practical detail crews quietly appreciate.

Design choices and trade-offs

Design chief engineer Gian Piero Cutillo, who also serves as Leonardo’s CEO, often highlights the AW189 family approach: commonality with smaller models to simplify training and maintenance. That helps operators spread costs across mixed fleets while keeping crews in familiar cockpits.

The AW189’s configuration aims for a convincing balance between payload and operating cost. For offshore work, that means enough range to clear distant fields without stretching fuel margins, but not the bulk and expense of heavy-lift machines designed for very large loads.

In everyday operations

In day-to-day use, operators report that the AW189 settles into a tidy rhythm: early-morning platform runs, mid-day crew changes, occasional medevac flights when things go wrong. Dispatchers value that it can carry both people and cargo without constant reconfiguration.

For search and rescue missions, sliding doors and cabin layout support quick movement of stretchers and gear. Crews note that the wide doorway and robust floor coverings make it easier to haul wet, heavy equipment in rough seas without feeling like the interior will scuff at the first knock.

Where it fits in the market

The AW189 competes with other super-medium and medium-lift helicopters used in offshore energy and government contracts. It targets operators who want a modern platform but are not ready to step up to heavy helicopters with higher acquisition and maintenance costs.

Leonardo leans on the AW189 to underpin its civil helicopter portfolio, alongside lighter twins for utility and corporate transport. In that mix, the AW189 anchors the long-range segment with a focus on reliability and mission flexibility rather than headline-grabbing top speed.

Company context and shares

Leonardo uses the AW189 and related models to showcase its capabilities in rotorcraft, avionics and support services, feeding long-term service revenues from maintenance and upgrades. The Leonardo share price (ISIN IT0003856405) is quoted on Borsa Italiana in euros.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.

en | IT0003856405 | LEONARDO | boerse | 69643918 | bgmi