Leonardo Helicopters, in collaboration with Space Florida, has embarked on an ambitious project in Milton, Florida. The company has initiated the construction of a state-of-the-art customer support center, marking a significant investment in the region and a testament to its commitment to providing unparalleled support to its clientele.
Key Details of the Facility
The Leonardo Helicopters Florida Customer Support Center is a massive undertaking, with over $65 million being invested in its construction. Spanning a vast 113,000 sq/ft, the facility is designed to offer aftermarket support for Leonardo’s aircraft. This includes major component repair and overhaul, transmission testing and repair, and the introduction of new tooling. The facility will also house a full-sized paint booth and a spacious warehouse dedicated to spare parts.
Timeline and Location
Leonardo aims to complete the construction of this facility by the end of 2024. The chosen location for this center is the Whiting Aviation Park in Milton, FL. This site is strategically positioned adjacent to the Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF), allowing for seamless operations and collaboration. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on July 28th, was attended by partners from Santa Rosa County, Space Florida, Triumph Gulf Coast, and the State of Florida, signifying the importance of this project to the local community and the aviation industry.
Facility Features
The support center will be equipped with four large hangar bays, dedicated areas for major component repair and overhaul, and transmission work facilities that include a Dynamic Test Bench. Additionally, a full-sized paint booth, along with all the necessary tooling and equipment, will be part of the infrastructure. A significant feature is the large parts warehouse, which will be co-located to ensure an efficient supply chain response for the US Navy’s TH-73 fleet at NASWF and commercial customers operating in the Gulf of Mexico.
A Word from the Leadership
Clyde Woltman, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo Helicopters US, expressed his enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to break ground at Whiting Aviation Park on Leonardo Helicopters’ new Florida Support Center.” He emphasized the modern and efficient nature of the facility and acknowledged the unwavering support from the State of Florida, Space Florida, Santa Rosa County, Triumph Gulf Coast, and the United States Navy.
Historical Context
Leonardo’s decision to establish a customer support center at Whiting Aviation Park dates back to 2019. The company had expressed its intention to build the center if its aircraft were chosen for the U.S. Navy’s Advanced Helicopter Training System. This program aimed to replace the aging fleet of TH-57 “Sea Rangers” operating from NASWF. In January 2020, the U.S. Navy selected a variant of the Leonardo AW119, now named the TH-73 “Thrasher”, as the primary training aircraft for various branches of the military. The first of these aircraft was delivered in June 2021. Since then, Leonardo has been proactive in its efforts, hiring 19 full-time employees in Santa Rosa County and setting up a temporary hangar at Peter Prince Airport.
Future Prospects
With more than 1,000 Leonardo aircraft operating across the Gulf of Mexico and Central America, the new facility will play a pivotal role in serving the needs of this vast fleet. The collaboration with Santa Rosa County and Space Florida to select the site at Whiting Aviation Park is strategic. The park, spread over 267 acres, offers a unique limited access use agreement with the US Navy, granting tenants access to NASWF’s 6,000 ft. runway and air traffic control. This partnership signifies a bright future for Leonardo’s operations in the region.
A Significant Milestone
The establishment of the Leonardo Helicopters’ Florida Support Center is a significant milestone for both the company and the aviation industry in the region. With state-of-the-art facilities, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, Leonardo is poised to redefine customer support in the aviation sector.