Leonardo and Sino-US Intercontinental Helicopter Investment (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. have announced a further reinforcement of their strategic cooperation in the Chinese helicopter market.

During an official ceremony held at the Paris Air Show, the parties announced the signing of a contract for the purchase of 17 helicopters comprising 2 AW119Kx single engine helicopters, 10 AW109 Trekker light twins and 5 AW139 intermediate twins. The order is valued in excess of €100m, with deliveries starting later this year.

The contract was signed in the framework of a Distributorship Agreement renewal, which also foresees the purchase of additional aircraft in the next three years, and makes Sino-US Intercontinental the exclusive distributor for the Chinese civil, commercial and offshore helicopter market (including Hong Kong and Macau).

Furthermore, the exclusivity under the Distributorship Agreement will be extended to the entire Chinese helicopter market no later than mid-2019. The parties are also committed to strengthening the level of after-sales service with joint efforts aimed at establishing a completion centre and additional local training services.

Sino-US Intercontinental has so far placed orders for nearly 100 helicopters, comprising AW119Kx, GrandNew, AW109 Trekker, AW169, AW139 and AW189, and has established the largest EMS (Emergency Medical Service) helicopter programme nationwide in China. The presence of Leonardo in China grows stronger with almost 200 helicopters sold to Chinese customers to date for commercial and public services. The growing fleet is supported by an increased customer support presence, recently enhanced by the opening of a major warehouse facility in Shanghai.

Sino-US Intercontinental is part of Shanghai Zenisun Investment Group, a large conglomerate that focuses on real estate and general aviation.