Leonardo and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, official distributor in Japan for AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters, announced yesterday the signing of a contract for four helicopters during an official ceremony during the Japan Aerospace 2018.
The contract, related to four helicopters belonging to the models distributed by Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, further consolidates the partnership between Leonardo and the Japanese operator that has strongly contributed to the growth of the Leonardo fleet in Japan where the AW139 model is the best seller in its class in the country. The collaboration with Mitsui has also been more recently extended to the new AW169 and AW189 models, the most successful products in their respective segments, paving the way for a further expansion of the presence of Leonardo in Japan.
Last March, Mitsui Bussan Aerospace and Leonardo signed a three-year renewal of the distribution agreement for the AW169, AW139 and AW189 models. In addition, the partners also signed the agreement for the supply of spare parts, thus strengthening the support and maintenance services in the country.
AW139 has proved to be a successful product in the country for a wide range of public service roles including search and rescue, Coast Guard patrol, public order, fire protection and civil protection with the Police and Fire Brigade authorities, both at the national level and at various prefectures and municipalities.
The Leonardo office in Tokyo has supported the growth of the Company's presence in Japan since 2008. About 130 Leonardo helicopters are currently in service in the country carrying out a wide range of missions, including public order, helicopter ambulance, search and rescue, fire fighting, rescue in case of natural disasters, passenger transport, television shooting and naval operations. The helicopter fleet in Japan is supported by an extensive network of customer services throughout the country, which includes the forthcoming opening of a maintenance center in Shizuoka. The Japanese helicopter market shows significant potential in the coming decades with up to 30 new units put on the market every year.