LEONARDO DEEPENS UK INVESTMENT WITH NEW HELICOPTER SUPPORT HUB AT ELSTREE
Leonardo announced the opening of a new helicopter maintenance and support facility at Elstree Aerodrome, further strengthening its long-term commitment to the UK aerospace sector and reinforcing its presence in one of Europe’s largest helicopter markets. The new site represents an investment of around £15 million, including an initial stock of components and spare parts valued at more than £10 million, and will provide manufacturer-approved maintenance, logistics and technical support services for Leonardo civil helicopters operating across the UK and Ireland.
As Leonardo’s tenth operational location in the country, the centre will enhance customer proximity, increase service responsiveness and support the growing demand for helicopter maintenance and aftermarket services. Operated through Leonardo Belgium, the company’s centre of excellence for civil and public service helicopter support activities across Europe, the Elstree facility will integrate continental logistics capabilities with local engineering expertise to deliver efficient support solutions for operators.
With more than 200 Leonardo helicopters in service across the UK and Ireland, the new hub will play a key role in sustaining fleet availability and mission readiness for a broad range of operations. Approximately 30 aircraft are currently employed in emergency medical services and other public service missions, while Leonardo remains the market leader in the VIP and corporate transport segment, accounting for more than 50% of the sector.
The investment will also contribute to the development of highly skilled engineering capabilities in the region. The facility currently employs 10 permanent staff supporting maintenance activities, with workforce growth expected as demand increases over the coming years.
Leonardo’s helicopter fleet in the UK and Ireland includes the AW109 light twin, AW139 intermediate twin, AW169 light-intermediate twin and AW189 super-medium helicopter. The company continues to expand its support network and service capabilities to ensure customers benefit from high levels of availability, responsiveness and long-term operational support.
