This week, the Member of Parliament for Hertsmere, The Rt Hon Sir Oliver Dowden KCB CBE MP attended Leonardo’s new helicopter maintenance and support facility at Elstree Aerodrome grand opening, joining company leaders, engineers, and local stakeholders for the ribbon‑cutting ceremony.
The multi‑million‑pound investment marks a major expansion of Leonardo’s UK footprint and strengthens Hertsmere’s growing role in the nation’s aerospace sector.
The new hub represents around £15 million of investment, alongside an estimated £10 million in initial stock and components, and will provide manufacturer‑approved maintenance, logistics, and technical support for Leonardo’s civil helicopter fleet operating across the UK and Ireland.
The facility is Leonardo’s tenth operational site in the UK.
During the visit, Sir Oliver briefly toured the facility, met with senior leadership and discussed the company’s long‑term plans for workforce development in Hertfordshire.
Also in attendance was UK Chair & CEO of Leonardo, Clive Higgins, Vice President Global Sales Europe, Andrea Mirteto, VP Customer Support and Services, Francesco Bellardi and Managing Director of Leonardo Belgium, Riccardo Del Duca.
Sir Oliver said: “It was a pleasure to declare Leonardo’s impressive new Elstree facility officially open. This investment is a strong endorsement of Hertsmere’s highly skilled workforce and reinforces our area’s growing reputation for advanced engineering and aerospace excellence.
Sir Oliver added: The creation of new specialist roles and the partnership with the University of Hertfordshire will provide valuable opportunities for local talent for many years to come.”
The Elstree hub will support the extensive fleet of Leonardo commercial helicopters in the UK, including aircraft used for emergency medical services and other essential operations. The site is expected to grow from its current team of 10 permanent staff to around 25 during peak periods, with capacity to support up to four aircraft at a time.
Leonardo’s investment follows the company’s recent £1 billion contract for the UK’s New Medium Helicopter programme and forms part of its broader commitment to strengthening sovereign industrial capability in the UK.
