Leonardo Helicopters
Helicopter Maintenance Facility for Leonardo Helicopters
Budget £6.5m | London Elstree | 2023-2025
Purpose-built maintenance facility & extensive infrastructure works
In 2023, Sowerby Property was appointed by Aldenham Aviation Ltd to deliver a state-of-the-art, custom-built helicopter maintenance facility in the UK for global helicopter manufacturer, Leonardo Helicopters. This high-profile aeronautical development includes a new 4 bay hangar for AW139’s, technical workshops, offices, VIP lounge facilities, and extensive infrastructure upgrades to the surrounding area. The project is due to complete in November 2025.
Transforming an undeveloped site into a high-spec aviation hub
The selected site held significant potential as a location for an operational facility but required careful planning, utilities upgrades, and access improvements for it to be realised. Our first priority was to conduct a comprehensive feasibility assessment, ensuring the land could support a high-specification helicopter servicing facility and satisfy Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements.
The client approached Sowerby Property for our specialist experience delivering aviation facilities, light industrial and commercial units on an operational aerodrome. With a track record of managing complex stakeholder environments and coordinating tenant-specific builds, we were able to lead the process from initial brief through planning and permitted development, construction, and completion.
From feasibility to handover: World-class aviation development
We worked closely with the client, tenant and their operational team to shape a facility that enables fast, safe, and efficient helicopter maintenance and servicing fitting for a global brand.
The result, a new helicopter base that sets a new benchmark for operational support infrastructure in the UK and will be a strategic asset for both the client and tenant for years to come.
Mitigating infrastructure risks through early utility engagement
One of the most critical elements of the scheme involved early engagement with utility providers and local authorities to prevent delays.
By managing these risks from day one, we prevented utility-related bottlenecks that could have derailed the build programme.
Complex stakeholder coordination on a live aerodrome site
Extensive new build projects on previously undeveloped land naturally involve multiple layers of coordination and stakeholder engagement, from the local authority planning department and highways team to the tenant company’s head of security and local resident groups. Our team at Sowerby Property worked to ensure all parties were aligned, even during pressure points in the programme.
By setting up structured governance, regular reporting and proactive issue resolution, we kept the project on track while maintaining transparency and the trust of stakeholders.
Setting new standards for UK helicopter support infrastructure
The new maintenance and service facility is a game-changer for the client and tenant. It will significantly enhance Leonardo's support capabilities for the UK commercial market, setting a new standard of excellence.
Delivering a high-spec helicopter infrastructure project deepened our team’s expertise in aviation-aligned development strategy, utility risk management in operational environments, deal structuring for tenant-led facilities and planning approvals in sensitive locations.
Future-ready aviation facilities: Sowerby’s role in aviation growth
If you’re an aviation company or airfield/aerodrome owner looking to develop or expand operational facilities, we would love to talk.
Sowerby Property is well-placed to lead aviation projects, from concept to completion, ensuring your next facility is future-ready, compliant, and commercially viable.
Get in touch to discuss leading your next project. Schedule a call or take a few minutes to outline your next opportunity here and we’ll get back to you quickly.
David Sowerby
Director, Sowerby Property
T. +44 7787 168667