Through the Memorandum of Agreement SAEI will start the qualification process to
be a Leonardo Authorized Service Centre for basic maintenance of AW139s in the
country
 The MOA also includes the addition of the AW169 helicopter and the AW609 TiltRotor
in the future.
 The AW139 is the world’s most successful helicopter in its intermediate category with
over 1,200 units sold, more than 290 customers in over 70 nations worldwide for the
widest range of applications
Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) and Leonardo
announced today at Dubai Airshow (14-18 November 2021) the signing of a Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA), that will strengthen the level of maintenance services for the growing fleet of
AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Through this MOA,
SAEI will enter a qualification process to be recognised as a Leonardo Authorized Service Centre in
country for the bestselling AW139 model and will deliver basic maintenance for the type. The MOA
also includes the addition of the AW169 helicopter and the AW609 TiltRotor in the future.
“We are delighted to be appointed as the first authorised Leonardo service centre in the KSA for
Leonardo’s AW139, AW169, and AW609 types,” said Captain Fahd Hamzh Cynndy, CEO of SAEI.
“I am confident that our industry-leading capabilities will provide airline owners and operators with
easy access to reliable, cost-effective and timely services, enabling them to achieve enhanced safety
and efficiency while offering superior passenger connectivity and convenience.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, MD Leonardo Helicopters, said “We are honoured to partner with SAEI to provide
the growing fleet of AW139 helicopters in Saudi Arabia with the level of quality service their operators
deserve to maximise the advantages of using the world’s best aircraft in its category. We fully share
common values and goals on flight safety and efficiency. SAEI’s unique skills and expertise in aircraft
maintenance services will be highly beneficial for the AW139 operations to effectively and timely
serve their national communities.”
This MOA demonstrates Leonardo’s long-term commitment to the region and aligns to Leonardo’s
focus on stronger support services and proximity. Enhanced services will help maximise the
helicopter fleet’s mission effectiveness and safety for the benefit of operators, crews and the served
communities. With more than 90 service centres in over 40 countries worldwide, Leonardo is
committed to providing leading, comprehensive support and training services to deliver
unprecedented benefits to operators in terms of safety, quality, effectiveness, cost, and sustainability
as a cornerstone of Leonardo’s Be Tomorrow 2030 Strategic Plan.
The world’s most important helicopter programme since its certification in 2004 and the bestselling
type in its category, the AW139 has logged orders for over 1,200 units from more than 290 customers
in over 70 countries to date. The type has proven extremely successful in the Middle East with over
Company General Use
150 units in service across the region for the wides scope of missions including corporate transport,
emergency medical service, search and rescue, law enforcement, offshore transport, and
government duties.