Aeropar, a private company based in Paraguay, has successfully procured two AW109 Trekker light twin helicopters for the purpose of executing utility transport missions, commencing in 2028. This venture signifies the introduction of Leonardo helicopters into the Paraguayan rotorcraft market. The announcement was made on March 16 at the International Airport of Asunción, in the presence of representatives from various institutions and industries.
Aeropar is engaged in providing aviation transport services within Paraguay and Brazil, with its primary operational bases situated at the International Airport Ciudad del Este and Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción. The company maintains a fleet comprising fifteen aircraft, including both fixed-wing and rotary-wing models, while also delivering technical support, maintenance, and training services.
The acquisition of the AW109 Trekker helicopters plays a pivotal role in establishing a modern aviation ecosystem in Paraguay, addressing the imperative need for rapid mobility services that align with national economic growth objectives. The AW109 Trekker is characterised by its exceptional maximum speed, spacious cabin, advanced flight and navigation technology, and durable skids that are operational on various terrains, thereby rendering it a valuable asset for fulfilling Aeropar’s mission.
This collaboration with Aeropar further solidifies Leonardo's prominent standing in the Latin American helicopter market, which boasts a fleet exceeding four hundred aircraft employed across both commercial and military sectors. These aircraft are used for a diverse array of tasks, including VIP and corporate transport, offshore operations in support of the energy sector, law enforcement, search and rescue missions, firefighting, utility services, and naval roles.
With 1,700 aircraft sold globally across a wide spectrum of applications, the AW109 series has emerged as one of the most successful light twin helicopters in recent decades, particularly within Central and South America. The AW109 Trekker preserves the series' reputation for spaciousness and outstanding performance while providing enhanced payload capacity at a competitive cost, thus meeting the stringent requirements of operators regarding efficiency and operational economics.
The AW109 Trekker represents the latest addition to Leonardo’s light twin helicopter portfolio and is notable for being the first model in this category to incorporate skid landing gear. Furthermore, the advanced Genesys Aerosystems "glass" cockpit is designed to furnish pilots with essential information, thereby alleviating workload while operating in challenging environments and adverse weather conditions.
This helicopter retains the hallmark characteristics of high productivity, exceptional flight performance, manoeuvrability, robustness, advanced navigation capabilities, and inherent safety that typify other light twin helicopters produced by Leonardo. The spacious cabin, comparable in size to the Grand and Grand New models, accommodates up to six passengers, and a single pilot can operate the aircraft with the potential to seat an additional passenger in the cockpit if necessary. The AW109 Trekker encompasses multiple safety features, including a cocoon-type airframe, a crash-resistant fuel system, reinforced seating for crew and passengers, full Category A / Class 1 performance in high-temperature environments, and a main gearbox capable of operating for 30 minutes without lubrication.
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