Leonardo AW139 for Sale

The Leonardo AW139 is the dominant medium-twin helicopter for offshore oil and gas, EMS, VIP transport and search-and-rescue. Originally developed jointly by AgustaWestland and Bell as the AB139, certified in 2003 and rebranded to Leonardo after the corporate reorganisation, the AW139 entered a segment previously owned by the Sikorsky S-76 and Bell 412 and has out-shipped both since 2007.

The 15-seat cabin (typically 12 passengers in offshore configuration, 6–8 in VIP), Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C engines and 165-knot cruise gave the AW139 a category-leading speed and payload combination at launch. The full Honeywell Primus Epic glass cockpit, four-axis dual-channel autopilot and Category A performance from every confined-area helideck made it the default offshore replacement aircraft from the late 2000s onward.

On the second-hand market AW139s split into three populations: offshore returns (high-utilisation airframes coming off long-term oil-major contracts), parapublic returns (lower utilisation, often well-equipped) and VIP airframes (low time, high specification, premium pricing). The principal financial variable is engine and dynamic-component status, with the 12-year HUMS-driven inspection regime and the airframe's complex modification record close behind.

Buyer guide

Offshore versus VIP airframe history

Offshore airframes typically arrive with 6,000–12,000 hours, full HUMS history and a modification fit optimised for two-pilot IFR overwater operations. VIP airframes carry 1,500–4,000 hours, lighter inspection load and premium completions but often need an avionics or HUMS refresh to meet offshore re-entry standards. Decide the destination mission before negotiating; cross-configuring is a seven-figure exercise.

PT6C-67C engine status and module trace

Each PT6C-67C carries roughly

HUMS, IPCs and the 12-year inspection

The AW139 was an early HUMS adopter; the Health and Usage Monitoring System data is foundational to its inspection regime. Buyers should commission a full HUMS data review pre-purchase. The 12-year calendar inspection typically costs

Avionics, autopilot and equipment fit

Standard Primus Epic with four-axis autopilot is the baseline; SAR-equipped airframes add Spectrolab SX-16, FLIR, hoist and rescue hoist controls. Full ice protection (FIPS) is uncommon on offshore returns but common on Northern European airframes — verify before pursuing North Sea or Norway-based missions.

Operating economics for offshore work

Direct operating cost runs $2,800–$3,800/hour for offshore-configured AW139s including fuel, reserves and scheduled maintenance. Insurance is $300–$500K/year for commercial operations. Most offshore operators amortise across 800+ annual hours. VIP owners flying 200 hours/year typically see $4,500–$6,500 all-in per hour.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a used AW139 cost?

Pre-owned AW139s typically trade $7M–

How does the AW139 compare to the Sikorsky S-76?

The AW139 carries more passengers, cruises faster and has a more modern avionics baseline. The S-76 has a lower acquisition cost on the second-hand market and decades of operational data. Most offshore operators have transitioned to AW139 fleets; some VIP operators retain S-76s for their lower direct cost and proven longevity.

Is the AW139 single-pilot IFR capable?

The aircraft is approved for two-pilot IFR in most jurisdictions and that is the standard configuration for commercial work. Single-pilot IFR approvals exist with appropriate equipment and operator approval but are uncommon outside corporate operations.

What is the cabin capacity?

Up to 15 seats in dense passenger configuration; typical offshore fit is 12 passengers in energy-attenuating crashworthy seats. VIP configurations seat 6–8 with executive amenities. Internal volume is roughly 8 cubic metres, generous for the category.

Where do I verify AW139 hours, modifications and inspection status?

ChopperSwap listing cards expose TSN, engine TSN, next major inspection and operating environment publicly. Authenticated buyers access full HUMS history, mod records, logbooks and inspection reports through the secure document vault.