– Field-proven aircraft and enterprise training systems create a low-risk, high-readiness option for next-generation aviators.
PHILADELPHIA, October 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/-Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Leonardo are collaborating to achieve the US Army Next Flight School COCO (Contractor Owned and Operated) service contract.
The partnership combines Boeing’s operational expertise with Army helicopter training and program delivery with Leonardo’s AW119T training helicopter to deliver an efficient and scalable training solution for the next generation of aviators.
Boeing’s Army training expertise includes training and mission systems support services for the AH-64 Apache around the world, including live, virtual and constructive simulation, cockpit procedure trainers and instructor development programs to build and maintain Apache aircrew readiness. Boeing’s services, combined with system integration, simulation and program management capabilities, position the team to deliver a complete COCO.
“We are bringing together two industry leaders to offer the Army an innovative, turnkey approach to helicopter training with a long-term, integrated training solution that increases Airman proficiency and operational and maintenance efficiencies and will deliver measurable value throughout the life of the program,” he said. Juan Chicolisenior director, US Army/Marines and Special Operations/Missions, Boeing Global Services.
The AW119T is a commercially supported single-engine trainer. The AW119T program has exceeded 100,000 flight hours, including more than 16,000 flight hours under instrument flight rules and more than 40,000 landing autorotations. Leonardo holds 130 AW119T aircraft operated by the US Navy nearby Fort Rucker, Alabamaallowing immediate logistical synergies and a rapid response capacity.
“The AW119T is a proven platform that already supports US military training every day. With more than 100,000 accumulated flight hours and a maintenance network deployed in Florida“Leonardo and Boeing are uniquely positioned to deliver immediate capability and long-term value to the Army through Flight School Next,” he said. Clyde WoltmanCEO, Leonardo Helicopters USA
Boeing and Leonardo plan to offer a multi-faceted service offering to increase flight training hours, skill mastery and offer a flexible and scalable training model over the life of the contract.
Key elements will include:
- Mature, low-risk aircraft: The AW119T system is field-proven on U.S. services and allied operators, with crash-resistant seats, fuel systems, and the ability to perform full landing autorotations and in-flight emergency training.
- Complete training system: A turnkey offer that includes airframes, spare parts, maintenance, instructors, simulators and validated curriculum.
- Improved instruction: A competency-based, phased-driven program that combines aircraft instruction, advanced simulators, virtual instructor pilot capability, and cloud-based progress tracking to individualize learning and maximize flight hours.
- Operational efficiencies: Automated logistics, optimized maintenance scheduling, and adaptive training schedules to mitigate weather and daylight impacts and improve aircraft usability.
- Sustainability and production capacity: An established support network, including a fully operational AW119T maintenance facility and production capacity to meet program demand.
Boeing, a leading global aerospace company and the largest U.S. exporter, develops, manufactures and services commercial aircraft, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our workforce and supplier base in the U.S. and around the world drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Leonardo is an international industrial group, among the main global companies in Aerospace, Defense and Security (AD&S). With 60,000 employees worldwide, the company addresses global security through the helicopter, electronics, aeronautics, cyber and security and space sectors, and is a partner of international programs such as Eurofighter, Joint Strike Fighter, NH-90, FREMM, GCAP and Eurodrone. Leonardo has significant production capabilities in Italyhe United Kingdom, Polandand the united states of america. Get more information at leonardo.com.
Contact
Richard Glynnis
Boeing Communications
+1-267-593-9078
glynnis.p.richard@boeing.com
Tori Brown
Leonardo helicopters
tori.brown@leonardocompany.us
Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com
SOURCEBoeing
