Leonardo has announced that the Los Angeles City Fire Department will introduce a new AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopter to support its aerial firefighting and emergency response operations. The new aircraft will replace the department’s oldest AW139, ensuring continued mission readiness for its Air Operations unit.

The Los Angeles City Fire Department protects more than four million residents across over 400 square miles in the United States’ second-largest city, operating from 106 fire stations with more than 3,200 firefighters. The department’s Air Operations unit performs a wide range of critical missions including: fire suppression, EMS, hoist rescues, SAR, fast water rescue and reconnaissance and mapping.

The AW139’s speed, range, and payload capacity, combined with its advanced avionics and mission versatility, allow Los Angeles City Fire Department crews to respond quickly and effectively across a wide range of emergency scenarios. The aircraft’s ability to support hoist operations, Emergency Medical Service transport, and multi-mission firefighting roles makes it a trusted platform for demanding public safety operations in the Los Angeles region.