Frequently asked questions
Leonardo AW609: what is it and what to check before buying?
The Leonardo AW609 is a tiltrotor by Leonardo (Italy), in production since 2025. It seats 9, with 1,389 km range, a 509 km/h cruise and Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67A. When buying, a unique type in certification — budget for training and support. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How much does a Leonardo AW609 cost: purchase and upkeep?
For the Leonardo AW609: an indicative new price of $28M. This is a certification-stage aircraft, so there is no secondary market or settled running-cost history yet. 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.
