Aviation

Leonardo: PZL-Świdnik awarded PLN 8.25 billion gross (EUR 1.76 billion) contract for the supply of 32 AW149 multirole helicopters for the Polish Armed Forces

PZL-Swidnik, a fully owned Polish subsidiary of Leonardo, has been awarded a contract by the Polish Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the supply of 32 AW149 multirole helicopters worth 8.25 billion PLN gross (approximately EUR 1.76 billion). The contract was announced today at PZL-facility Swidnik’s in the presence of representatives from the Polish government.

The contract also covers logistics, simulator packages, and training. The logistics package consists a supply of replacement and consumable parts as well as tools for handling helicopters on the ground. The complete training of pilots and technical staff is part of the training and simulator package, which also involves the delivery of a set of advanced simulators and teaching tools. The new helicopters will perform tasks including air support and troop transportation. The helicopters’ equipment will also enable them to be employed for the transportation of cargo and supplies, search and rescue efforts during battle, and the evacuation of casualties. In order to completely meet the needs of the Polish Armed Forces, the configuration of the helicopters will also contain, among other things, observation systems, small weapons, guided/unguided rockets, missiles and self defence systems. The weaponry can be mounted within the cabin or on the helicopter’s external hard points, depending on the type and configuration. The helicopter deliveries will take place between the years 2023 and 2029.

The AW149, which is already in use with international operators for a variety of applications and is being evaluated by many nations, is perfect for updating defence helicopter fleets and replacing a variety of ageing models in the medium weight category. The AW149 is a multirole military helicopter of the newest generation that was created from the ground up to satisfy the most exacting requirements of the armed forces. The platform may be adjusted to carry out a range of difficult duties under the most trying operational circumstances. High operational availability, mission effectiveness, and fleet cost effectiveness are provided to defence users by the AW149’s advanced equipment, weapons, and system technologies, along with its agility, range/endurance, high power margins, as well as its highest levels of safety and survivability.

“PZL-Swidnik confirms its leadership and the continuation of its 70-year tradition by reaching significant milestones for our aviation industry, demonstrating its comprehensive skills in helicopter design, development, customization, and servicing. Being a former military officer with experience both domestically and abroad, I am well familiar with PZL-Swidnik helicopters and their impressive capabilities. I feel even more satisfied with my obligations now that I am working on the industrial side of this experience and manufacturing products for the current and upcoming generations of warriors.

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

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China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.