Page 15 - AAA SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021 Online Magazine

AVIATION

Promise Leonardo’s AW609 AC4 tiltrotor recently
made its maiden appearance in Dubai in its
fully representative final production configu-
ration, marking its first visit outside of Europe
and the US. The aircraft made the trip to be
part of the Dubai Expo 2020 opening cele-
of the brations and for the launch of Leonardo’s new
VIP brand, Agusta. The AW609 AC4 took-off
from Italy on September 10 and over the course
of the one-of-a-kind ferry flight, made stops
in Southern Europe and Northern Africa and
the Middle East. “The AW609 AC4 is the only
Tiltrotor tiltrotor intended also for the civilian market –
explains Giovanni Mazzoni, AW609 Programme
Manager at Leonardo, stating that its multi-role
ability allows it to meet the needs of both pri-
vate customers and government.”

Nearing Certification
LEONARDO’S AW609 RECENTLY MADE ITS The AW609 programme recently moved
DEBUT OUTSIDE THE EUROPE AND THE US BY significantly closer to U.S. Federal Aviation
Adminstration (FAA) certification, after which
TRAVELLING TO DUBAI deliveries to customers will begin. On grant of
U.S. FAA civil certification, the AW609 will be
the world’s first civilian-certified multi-role tiltro-
Our Special Correspondent tor. Leonardo’s prototypes used in development
activities, particularly in the United States and

ASIAN AIRLINES & AEROSPACE September/October | 15