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

Aeroflot Buys Used Planes for Spare Parts Amid Sanctions

In the face of ongoing Western sanctions that have severely impacted Russia’s aviation industry, Aeroflot, the country’s largest airline, has devised a strategic plan to bolster its fleet’s spare parts inventory.

The airline is set to acquire five Boeing 737-800BCF freighters from Atran Airlines, a move that will allow it to dismantle the aircraft for critical components. The planes, which will be transferred to Aeroflot’s low-cost subsidiary Pobeda, will not be converted into passenger jets but instead will be stripped for valuable parts to support existing operations.

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Aeroflot’s plan to purchase these Boeing 737-800BCF freighters comes as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the effects of Western sanctions, which have crippled the Russian aviation sector. With the sanctions restricting access to essential aircraft parts and spare components, Aeroflot is exploring alternative ways to maintain and repair its fleet.

Instead of converting the freighters from cargo to passenger planes, a process deemed “unreasonably expensive” under current sanctions, the airline intends to focus on extracting high-value components such as engines, landing gear, avionics, and other essential systems.

The deal will be structured in a way that allows Aeroflot to indirectly purchase the freighters through an insurance settlement with the aircraft’s lessor, AerCap.

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The Russian government’s insurance company will reimburse the aircraft’s value, and the planes will then be leased back to local operators. This method circumvents some of the restrictions imposed by international sanctions while ensuring that the airline gains access to the necessary components to support its fleet.

By dismantling the aircraft for spare parts, Aeroflot aims to secure critical resources for the ongoing maintenance of its existing fleet. Components from the Boeing 737-800BCF freighters, such as engines and avionics, are expected to be reused in other aircraft within Aeroflot’s network, ensuring that the airline can keep its operations running smoothly