Universal Vulkaan Orders Leonardo AW169 Helicopters for Indian Market

Universal Vulkaan Aviation Expands Fleet with Leonardo AW169 Helicopters for Indian Market

Geneva — Universal Vulkaan Aviation has secured a €25 million ($28 million) contract to acquire two Leonardo AW169 twin-engine helicopters configured for VIP use, marking a strategic expansion in India’s burgeoning civil helicopter sector. The agreement, finalized during the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), highlights Leonardo’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its position in the VIP helicopter segment within the region.

The first AW169 is slated for delivery in September, with the second expected by mid-2026. Aylin Yildiz, director of Universal Vulkaan Aviation, emphasized the company’s confidence in the Indian market’s potential and its dedication to the successful deployment of these aircraft. As Leonardo’s authorized distributor for civil helicopters in India, Universal Vulkaan aims to capitalize on rising demand amid stiff competition from established manufacturers such as Bell and Sikorsky.

Industry analysts have responded positively to the order, viewing it as a reinforcement of Leonardo’s leadership in the VIP helicopter category. The transaction is anticipated to prompt competitors to reevaluate pricing strategies and product offerings to maintain their foothold in India’s dynamic aviation landscape.

This latest acquisition builds on Universal Vulkaan’s previous purchase of five Leonardo AW09 single-engine helicopters last year, reflecting a broader regional trend toward adopting next-generation, fuel-efficient rotorcraft. Yildiz noted the growing interest in modern single-engine helicopters, underscoring the company’s commitment to fleet modernization in line with evolving customer preferences.

In a related development announced at EBACE, Leonardo revealed that Sloane Helicopters, its distributor for Ireland and the United Kingdom, has placed an order for three AW109 Trekker light twin helicopters, further extending Leonardo’s presence in the European market.

Market Dynamics and Outlook

India’s helicopter market continues to experience robust growth, driven by increasing demand for both VIP-configured and next-generation models. Leonardo’s recent contracts, combined with Universal Vulkaan’s strategic investments, signal a concerted effort to capture a larger share of this expanding sector. As competition intensifies, industry participants are expected to respond with innovative products and competitive pricing, shaping the future trajectory of civil aviation in India.