Leonardo to Launch AW189 Level D Simulator in Malaysia by 2026, Strengthening Asia-Pacific Training Hub

Leonardo Expands Asia-Pacific Helicopter Training Hub in Malaysia with New AW189 Level D Simulator

Mohd Hanif Ismail - : Nov 7, 2025 - : 3:55 pm

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Leonardo is strengthening its footprint in the Asia-Pacific helicopter market with the planned introduction of an AW189 Level D Full Flight Simulator (FFS) at its Helicopter Training Academy in Malaysia in early 2026. The upgrade represents a major expansion of the facility’s advanced synthetic training capabilities, supporting both safety and mission readiness across the region’s growing commercial and military rotorcraft sectors.

The simulator, developed under the long-running Rotorsim joint venture between Leonardo and CAE, will be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia for the 8.3-tonne-class super-medium helicopter. It will complement the existing AW139 FFS at the Subang-based academy, enabling operators to benefit from OEM-standard pilot training closer to their home bases, reducing reliance on longer-distance travel to Europe or the Middle East.

According to Leonardo’s announcement on 7 November 2025, published on the company’s official communication channels, the decision builds on strong regional adoption of the AW189, particularly in high-utilisation missions such as offshore energy support, search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services (EMS), and multi-agency public service operations. The availability of Level D – the highest certification standard for civilian simulators – will also support more sustainable training by reducing the environmental impact associated with live flying.

Growing Southeast Asian Market Demand

Since 2019, the AW189 fleet in Southeast Asia has more than doubled, a trajectory analysts expect to accelerate as offshore energy and disaster-response requirements increase. Leonardo has expanded its share of the regional rotorcraft market by offering a mission-diverse portfolio spanning utility, law enforcement, maritime operations, and passenger transport.

The Malaysian academy, founded in 2013, has trained more than 5,500 pilots and technicians in 12 years, collectively achieving nearly 44,000 simulator hours. A new AW169 Flight Training Device (FTD) is also being installed and is scheduled to enter service in 2026, further broadening the training ecosystem.

Malaysia as a Strategic Support Hub for Asia-Pacific

Malaysia serves as Leonardo’s main services hub in Asia-Pacific, providing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) support, mission upgrades, blade repair and fleet management services. Over the past decade, this capability growth has aligned with a 130% increase in Leonardo-supported helicopters operating in Southeast Asia, now totalling over 230 aircraft, which collectively record around 70,000 flight hours per year.

The growing presence includes support for military assets such as the Super Lynx and AW159 fleets operated by regional defence forces. The Malaysian workforce has expanded from 20 to more than 120 professionals, with Leonardo continuing to invest in local skills and industrial growth.

Enhancing Regional Competitiveness

With major offshore energy markets in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia driving demand for long-range and harsh-weather helicopter operations, the AW189 simulator is expected to attract customers across the wider Asia-Pacific region. Localised advanced training is increasingly seen as a differentiator for OEMs competing in the high-performance helicopter segment.

For Leonardo, the new synthetic training capability reinforces its position in one of the world’s fastest-growing rotorcraft markets while ensuring operators have access to the full spectrum of services required to maintain operational safety and readiness.