• The Arriel 2K engine that powers Leonardo’s AW09 helicopter, has received its type certificate from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This marks an important milestone towards the entry into service of the AW09, Leonardo’s new single-engine helicopter.

Bordes, 30 July 2026 – The Arriel 2K underwent its first bench tests in 2022 and made its maiden flight on the AW09 in March 2023. Since then, it has accumulated more than 4100 hours of testing, including over 600 hours in flight. Ground tests were carried out at the Safran Helicopter Engines site in Bordes, as well as at the DGA testing center in Saclay, near Paris which included icing and endurance tests.

“The certification of the Arriel 2K marks another defining step towards the entry into service of the AW09. All the teams at Safran Helicopter Engines are ready to support Leonardo and its customers in bringing this brand-new helicopter into service”, said Cédric Goubet, Safran Helicopter Engines CEO.

The Arriel 2K is a new variant of the Arriel 2 family of engines, in the 1,000 shp power class. It features an engine interface optimized for the AW09 and has been designed around a proven and robust gas generator comprising a two-stage compressor (one axial stage and one centrifugal stage) that delivers high compressor efficiency in a particularly compact package. The annular combustion chamber ensures clean and efficient fuel combustion. The Arriel 2K is also equipped with a dual-channel FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and an EACB (Engine Auxiliary Control Box), which reduces the pilot’s workload.

Laurent Pascal / CAPA Pictures / Safran

AW09 operators will benefit from Safran Helicopter Engines global support network and its complete service offer, including advanced digital services such as health monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities. These services maximize engine availability and reduce operating costs.

Arriel is Safran’s best-selling family of helicopter engines, with more than 15,500 units produced for over 40 different helicopter types. With more than 66 million flight hours, the Arriel engine has earned a high level of trust among helicopter operators and has become the benchmark for light helicopter engines. In terms of reliability, durability and operability, the Arriel has established itself as the benchmark in our industry.

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with more than 110,000 employees and revenue of 31.3 billion euros in 2025, and holds, alone or in partnership, global or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

Safran Helicopter Engines is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 75,000 produced since being founded. It offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts in the world and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries.