SH09 arrival slows as Leonardo drives vertical integration

摘要

Leonardo Helicopters has slowed the service-entry schedule for its recently acquired Kopter SH09 light-single and is also likely to huild the rotorcraft at an existing production plant in the north of Italy rather than Switzerland as previously planned. Although the purchase, worth an initial $185 million, was completed on 8 April, disruption caused by the coronavirus crisis has limited the interaction between the two companies. In fact, in-depth collaboration has only been possible over the past four to six weeks, says Gian Piero Cu-tillo, managing director of the Italian firm's helicopter division.