Boeing and Leonardo Team Up for Flight School Next: A New Era in Military Aviation Training

Philadelphia, October 13, 2025 – In a strategic move to enhance the U.S. Army’s aviation training methodology, Boeing [NYSE: BA] has joined forces with Leonardo to pursue the Flight School Next initiative. This partnership aims to secure a contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) service contract, harnessing the strengths of both companies to deliver an innovative training solution for future Army aviators.

Integrating Expertise for Robust Training Solutions

Boeing brings a wealth of operational knowledge in rotary-wing training acquired through extensive experience with the AH-64 Apache. This expertise encompasses a comprehensive suite of training services, including live, virtual, and constructive simulation capabilities, cockpit-procedure trainers, and instructor development programs. This integration positions their coalition with Leonardo to develop a full-spectrum COCO service that meets the evolving requirements of Army aviation personnel.

John Chicoli, Senior Director of U.S. Army/Marines & Special Operations/Missions at Boeing Global Services, highlighted the partnership’s goal: “By combining the strengths of two industry frontrunners, we can offer a comprehensive, long-term training solution that enhances aviator effectiveness and operational efficiencies while ensuring enduring value throughout the program’s lifecycle.”

The AW119T Trainer: Proven and Ready for Service

At the heart of this collaboration is the AW119T, a commercially-supported single-engine training helicopter that has been rigorously tested and validated in military environments. With a remarkable track record exceeding 100,000 flight hours—including over 16,000 hours under instrument flight rules and more than 40,000 touchdown autorotations—the AW119T has established itself as a reliable platform for military training initiatives. Leonardo manages a fleet of 130 AW119T aircraft for the U.S. Navy at Fort Rucker, Alabama, ensuring within-compact logistics and rapid readiness for operational demands.

Clyde Woltman, CEO of Leonardo Helicopters U.S., noted, “The AW119T is a battle-tested platform integral to military training operations. Our established sustainment network in Florida positions us and Boeing uniquely to provide both immediate capabilities and sustained value to the Army through Flight School Next.”

Comprehensive Service Offerings for Enhanced Training

Boeing and Leonardo’s collaboration sets the stage for a comprehensive training framework that prioritizes increasing flight training hours and skill proficiency. Their service offering is designed to be adaptable and scalable, catering to the needs of the Army over the duration of the contract. Key components of this initiative include:

• Proven, Low-Risk Aircraft: The AW119T has been employed successfully across U.S. military branches and among allied forces. It features crashworthy seating, advanced fuel systems, and capabilities for executing full-touchdown autorotations and in-flight emergency training.

• All-in-One Training System: The approach involves a complete package that encompasses airframes, spare parts, maintenance, instructor services, simulators, and a validated curriculum, ensuring a seamless training experience.

• Advanced Instruction Techniques: Leveraging a proficiency-centered, phase-driven curriculum, the program synergizes in-aircraft instruction with cutting-edge simulators, virtual instructor capabilities, and cloud-based progress tracking. These innovations are intended to personalize the learning experience while maximizing the use of flight hours.

• Operational Efficiencies: The initiative adopts automated logistics, streamlined maintenance schedules, and flexible training calendars to mitigate external factors, such as weather and daylight variations, thereby enhancing aircraft availability.

• Sustainment and Production Readiness: The collaboration builds upon an established support framework that includes a fully operational sustainment facility for the AW119T and the production capacity necessary to meet program demands.

Looking Ahead: Evolving Army Aviation Training

As Boeing and Leonardo forge a path forward with the Flight School Next program, the implications for military aviation training could be transformative. By leveraging existing technologies and expertise, this initiative promises to not only enhance the proficiency of Army aviators but also align training methods with the demands of modern warfare. This collaboration signifies a strategic commitment to ensuring that U.S. forces remain at the forefront of aerial operations, equipped with the skills and tools necessary for future success.