Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

Toll Helicopters, a Brisbane-based provider of specialized mission-critical helicopter services, has expanded its fleet of AW139 intermediate twin helicopters in Australia with the purchase of two additional units from Leonardo (Booth B1005).&nbsp;
Toll expects delivery of the AW139s in the second half of 2023 and to supplement its existing fleet of 10 AW139 helicopters, bringing the total number&nbsp;to 12. It already uses three&nbsp;to support activities such as pilot training, emergency response and disaster relief missions, and other Australian Defense Force (ADF)&nbsp;exercises.&nbsp;
Once delivered, the two new AW139s will fulfill Toll’s contract requirements for two major ADF programs: the Crash Response Helicopter Service program for the Australian Army’s 1st Aviation Regiment in Darwin&nbsp;and the Army Commercial Helicopter program for the 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville.&nbsp;
The 15-seat helicopters come equipped with a searchlight, cargo hook, hoist, and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, making them capable of supporting a variety of ADF training and disaster relief missions. They&nbsp;also feature&nbsp;an advanced navigation and collision avoidance system to help pilots operate in challenging environments. Leonardo has sold several of the helicopters to government entities in Australia for law enforcement and surveillance applications.
Worldwide, at least 1,130 <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2021-02-03/leonardos-aw139-helicopter-turns-20">AW139 helicopters</a>&nbsp;operate in service with more than 280 customers in 90 nations, according to Leonardo. Since its certification in 2004, the AW139 has logged more than 3.6 million flight hours.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Toll Helicopters Orders More AW139s for Australian Defense Force | Ainonline.com

Australian helicopter operator Toll Helicopters has ordered two new AW139 intermediate twin helicopters from Leonardo. 

Toll Helicopters Orders Two AW139s for Australian Defense Force

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Digital twins transform product development and manufacturing 

Reality's Digital Mirror with Dassault's Virtual Design

Jessica Reed

People in Aviation - January 2025

People in Aviation

AIN Staff

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

A sampling of the many eye-catching pictures received  for Photo of the Week

Best of AINalerts Photos of the Week

Kerry Lynch

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Baykar intends to preserve Piaggio’s identity and ‘relaunch’ the company 

Turkey's Baykar Receives Italian Nod To Buy Piaggio

Curt Epstein

The group is working to restore the first production Lear Jet to flight.

DAS Aviation Signs On as Classic Lear Jet Sponsor

Acquisition strengthens Woodward’s aircraft technology portfolio 

Woodward, Safran Ink Deal for Electromechanical Assets

Matt Thurber

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

HAI Convention News 2023

In this article

Leonardo AW139

Leonardo

AgustaWestland

More In Aircraft

Reality's Digital Mirror with Dassault's Virtual Design

Digital twins transform product development and manufacturing

People in Aviation

People in Aviation - January 2025

Best of AINalerts Photos of the Week

A sampling of the many eye-catching pictures received for Photo of the Week

Turkey's Baykar Receives Italian Nod To Buy Piaggio

Baykar intends to preserve Piaggio’s identity and ‘relaunch’ the company

DAS Aviation Signs On as Classic Lear Jet Sponsor

The group is working to restore the first production Lear Jet to flight.

Woodward, Safran Ink Deal for Electromechanical Assets

Acquisition strengthens Woodward’s aircraft technology portfolio

Icon Aircraft Moving Some Manufacturing to China

Company president Jason Huang resigns and Lily Hu takes over

Cirrus Delivers 600th Vision Jet Since 2016 Market Entry

An average of seven Vision Jets per month were delivered during the first three quarters of this year

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN