Leonardo Delivers First AW139 to China General Aviation
The delivery marks the first of four AW139s.
此次交付是莱奥纳多与中国通航之间长期信任与合作的又一重要里程碑。AW139 作为全球中型直升机的标杆，在近年已逐渐成为中国海上能源运输任务的主力中型机，助力国内海油运行商为中海油提供更加优质、可靠的服务 — Christian Gras, 莱奥纳多全球销售高级副总裁
This delivery is another important milestone in the long-term trust and cooperation between Leonardo and China General Aviation. The AW139, as a benchmark in the global medium helicopter sector, has gradually become the main medium helicopter for China’s offshore energy transport missions in recent years, helping domestic offshore oil operators provide higher quality and more reliable services for CNOOC — Christian Gras, Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Leonardo
Yesterday, I posted that Leonardo S.p.A. delivered its first AW139 offshore transport helicopter to China General Aviation (中国通用航空有限责任公司) at the 7th China (Tianjin) International Helicopter Expo.
The delivery is the first of four AW139 helicopters China General Aviation ordered in November 2024.
The order was announced at the 15th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong, with the company confirming that the helicopters would be delivered in batches.
China General Aviation also stated it plans to leverage both domestic and international markets, as well as the Hainan Free Trade Port’s policies and location, to become a leading example of the low-altitude economy and a model for aviation development.
Fast forward to October 2025, and China General Aviation is progressing with the delivery of the AW139.
The helicopter is set to strengthen the company’s offshore fleet, enhancing both capacity and operational capabilities.
Its primary role will be supporting offshore transport missions for major clients, including the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).
Both Leonardo and China General Aviation emphasize that the AW139 will enhance offshore logistics by improving safety and efficiency, while also expanding the operational capabilities of China’s general aviation sector.
In March, I reported that China General Aviation announced the completion of its first “bonded leasing + zero tariff” aircraft transaction in the Haikou Airport Comprehensive Bonded Zone, involving an AW109SP helicopter.
According to the company, the deal marks the first integration of Free Trade Port policies with the low-altitude economy, setting a precedent for other general aviation firms considering investment in Hainan.
The transaction was processed through Haikou Meilan Airport Customs with support from Haikou Customs, the Hainan Provincial State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, and the Haikou Jiangdong Management Bureau.
Under the bonded leasing model, companies within the comprehensive bonded zone can use bonded goods as leasing assets for cross-border leasing activities.
The Hainan Free Trade Port’s “zero tariff” policy exempts qualifying aircraft used for transport and tourism from import tariffs, value-added tax, and consumption tax.
China General Aviation Co., Ltd. is a state-owned enterprise managed by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of Hainan Province.
The company is headquartered in Sanya, Hainan, and operates as a full-service general aviation operator.
Core business areas include offshore oil helicopter support, aerial photography, forest protection, aircraft management, pilot training, emergency rescue, and aerial sightseeing.
The company’s operational reach spans a wide range of environments, including deserts, the Gobi, high-latitude cold regions, maritime areas, and plateaus, demonstrating versatility across complex terrains.
China General Aviation has a long history, tracing its origins to the 2nd Flight Brigade of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), established in 1952.
Over the years, it has undergone multiple restructurings and name changes, including periods operating as China General Aviation Corporation and Eastern General Aviation Company, before returning to its current name in 2018.