Frequently asked questions
Agusta AW139: what kind of aircraft is it and what to consider when buying?
The AW139 is the most successful medium helicopter of the modern era: 1,200+ aircraft since 2003. Up to 15 seats, a range of 1,061 km, 306 km/h and two PT6C-67C engines. Certified to the strictest standards with a 30-minute run-dry transmission. It is the choice of government flights in 40+ countries; VIP versions are finished by Italian ateliers. There is no flight attendant or hot meal service. There is no in-flight baggage access — bags are loaded on the ground. On short hops it typically flies routes such as Nice–Monaco · Cannes–Saint-Tropez · Geneva–Megève. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How much does the Agusta AW139 cost: purchase and running costs?
Guide figures for the Agusta AW139: average pre-owned price — $6M; new — $13.5M. Running costs at 300–400 h/year — about $1.15M/year, or $2,878 per flight hour. The final figure depends on year, hours flown, engine-programme status and configuration. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What is Leonardo known for and which helicopters does it build?
Italy's Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) sets the pace in the VIP helicopter segment. The range: the light AW109 GrandNew and AW119Kx, the new single-engine AW09, the medium AW169 and best-selling AW139, and the heavy AW189. The AW139 became the standard for corporate and government transport — over 1,200 built. Cabins are finished by Italian ateliers, including Agusta by Hermès versions. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
Which Leonardo to choose: AW109, AW139 or AW169?
The AW109 GrandNew is a fast (289 km/h) seven-seat helicopter for city transfers and flights up to 700 km. The AW169 is the sweet spot: 8–10 seats, 820 km, cabin space without stepping into the heavy class. The AW139 is the flagship: up to 15 seats, 1,060 km range, two pilots, maximum VIP comfort; it is the choice of government flights in more than 40 countries. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How reliable are Leonardo helicopters and what about service?
The AW139 is certified to the strict FAR-29 standard with a 30-minute run-dry transmission — the fleet has logged over 4 million hours, including offshore and search-and-rescue missions. PT6C engines are serviced worldwide. Authorised Leonardo centres operate in Italy, the UAE, Turkey and Azerbaijan, making scheduled maintenance accessible to Central Asian operators. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How well does Leonardo hold value on the pre-owned market?
A VIP-configured AW139 is a scarce item: the queue for new machines stretches to 2–3 years, so fresh helicopters sell for 85–95% of list ($14–16M). Ten-year-old AW139s hold $8–10M. The AW109 is liquid in Europe and the Middle East ($3.5–6M depending on year). The AW189 market is weaker — a niche class with longer exposure. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How do you choose an aircraft to buy for your needs?
Start from two numbers: the length of your typical route and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 people — a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km — a midsize jet; nonstop intercontinental — a long-range jet. Then adjust for short runways, baggage volume and sleeping berths. We'll match a model to your profile and calculate the ownership economics. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
New aircraft or pre-owned — which is the better buy?
A new aircraft means a factory warranty and a 1–3-year queue, but the price is at its peak. A pre-owned aircraft means immediate delivery and a price 30–60% lower, while engine time and history matter. For most buyers a fresh 3–7-year-old aircraft is optimal: the main depreciation has happened and plenty of life remains. We cost both options. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.










