Portuguese Air Force AW119Kx Organ Transport Mission

Helis, March 22, 2026 - The Portuguese Air Force successfully carried out a critical organ transport mission for transplantation on March 21, reinforcing its vital role in supporting national healthcare operations.

The six-hour mission was performed by an AW119 Koala helicopter from Squadron 552 – “Zangões”, selected due to the specific location and logistical requirements of the operation. The aircraft ensured the rapid and safe delivery of the organ, where timing is crucial for transplant success.

Operating under urgent conditions where every second counts, the Portuguese Air Force maintains a high state of readiness to respond to requests from the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation. These missions are essential in saving lives by enabling timely organ delivery between medical facilities.

In 2026, the Air Force has already completed 11 organ transport missions, with this operation marking the first such mission conducted by Squadron 552 – “Zangões” this year.

The continued commitment of the Portuguese Air Force highlights its dual role in both national defense and humanitarian support, demonstrating operational flexibility and life-saving capability.

Leonardo AW119Kx

The Leonardo AW119Kx Koala is a high-performance, single-engine helicopter designed to deliver the capabilities and safety features typically associated with light twin-engine aircraft, while maintaining the lower operational costs of a single-engine platform. As the latest evolution of the AW119 series, it is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6B-37A turboshaft engine and features the most spacious cabin in its class, accommodating up to seven passengers or two medical stretchers. This versatility makes it particularly well-suited for missions such as emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement, corporate transport, and firefighting.

Technologically, the AW119Kx is equipped with the advanced Garmin G1000H integrated flight deck, enhancing pilot situational awareness through synthetic vision, moving maps, and terrain awareness systems. It also incorporates critical redundancies in hydraulic and electrical systems—features more commonly found in twin-engine helicopters. With a maximum speed of approximately 175 mph and a service ceiling of 25,000 feet, the Koala has demonstrated strong performance in demanding environments, including high-altitude operations in regions such as the Himalayas.

The AW119 program dates back to the early 1990s, with its first prototype flying in February 1995. Following development improvements—including the adoption of the Pratt & Whitney PT6B engine—the helicopter received Italian certification in 1999 and FAA certification in 2000, entering service the same year. The AW119Kx variant, featuring the Garmin G1000H glass cockpit, was introduced in October 2012 as the most advanced version of the Koala family.

Today, production of the AW119 is centered at Leonardo’s Philadelphia facility in the United States, which serves as the primary final assembly line. Earlier production took place in Vergiate, Italy, while fuselage manufacturing is handled by PZL-Świdnik in Poland. The platform continues to support both civil and military operators worldwide, including its role as the basis for the U.S. Navy’s TH-73A Thrasher training helicopter.