Leonardo has today announced the opening of a new helicopter maintenance and support facility at Elstree Aerodrome, strengthening its long-term commitment to the UK aerospace sector and reinforcing its high-tech footprint across the country.
Leonardo continues to bolster the nation’s sovereign industrial capabilities, following a landmark £1 billion contract for the UK’s New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme. The new site, Leonardo’s tenth operational location in the UK, represents a multimillion-pound investment in high value engineering capability. It will provide manufacturer-approved maintenance, logistics and technical support for the fleet of Leonardo civil helicopters operating across the UK and Ireland, helping to strengthen market resilience, customer proximity and long-term customer support.
The Elstree facility will play a key role in supporting the extensive fleet of Leonardo commercial helicopters operating in the UK that serve a wide range of customers, including commercial operators. Around 30 of the 200-strong fleet support community services, including emergency medical services and other specialist users. By expanding Leonardo’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) presence in country, the site enhances the availability of direct, responsive support for customers while continuing to work in partnership with established UK service providers.
Alongside operational capability, the facility will support the creation of secure, highly skilled engineering roles in Hertfordshire, with long-term workforce growth planned as activity ramps up over the coming years. Leonardo is placing a particular focus on developing early career engineers and technicians, helping to grow the UK’s advanced aerospace skills base and create long-term career pathways. The Leonardo team will work in collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire to provide industrial input to their engineering curriculum, so that students graduate with industry-ready skills.
Operated through the company’s Leonardo Belgium subsidiary, which has the responsibility for after sales support, logistics and maintenance of civil and public service helicopters across Europe, the Elstree hub will serve as a critical bridge for European aerospace synergy. It will integrate Leonardo’s streamlined continental logistics and experience with the UK’s engineering expertise to give skilled support for the UK’s fleet.
Vittorio Della Bella, SVP Customer Support & Training Services at Leonardo Helicopters, said: “The opening of our Elstree facility marks an important step in strengthening our support for Leonardo’s civil helicopter customers in the UK and Ireland. This brings us closer to our customers, enhances our responsiveness, and reinforces our commitment to delivering the highest standards of OEM support in a market that depends on reliability, quality and long-term resilience.”
Clive Higgins, Chief Executive Officer, Leonardo UK, added: “This investment reflects our enduring belief in the UK’s aerospace excellence and in the importance of long-term customer partnerships. By strengthening our national presence, we are giving our UK customers confidence that critical maintenance and support will be assured for decades to come, providing certainty and peace of mind over the full life of their aircraft. At the same time, we are creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of highly skilled engineers who will sustain the UK’s aerospace industry far into the future.”
Leonardo holds a significant share of the civil and public service helicopter market across the UK and Ireland, with more than 200 helicopters in operation. The company is a leader in the VIP and corporate transport segment, holding a market share of over 50%, reflecting the enduring strength of its Agusta heritage. Synonymous with high performance, comfort and advanced, bespoke solutions, the Agusta brand continues to define excellence in passenger transport. Alongside this, Leonardo plays a vital and expanding role in mission-critical operations across the region, including search and rescue, emergency medical services and energy sector support. Its most successful platforms include the AW109 light twin, the world leading AW139 intermediate twin, the next-generation AW169 light-intermediate, and the AW189 super-medium helicopter.