Helomaker Builds Its Presence In Land Of The Rising Sun

AgustaWestland and Kanematsu Corporation announced lasr week they were awarded a contract by the Japan National Police Agency (JNPA) to supply a further five AW109 Power Law Enforcement Helicopters as part of an on-going program to modernize the Police helicopter fleet.

The 2008 order represents selection of the AW109 Power for the fourth consecutive year. This order will bring the total number of AW109 helicopters in service with the JNPA to twenty-one and continues AgustaWestland's growing share of the Japanese light twin engine market. AgustaWestland expects this growth to continue over the coming years.

"This latest order is further evidence of the growing success we have experienced in the Japanese helicopter market in recent years, meeting commercial, government and military requirements by offering the best solutions and establishing strong relationships with our local partners," said Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland. We are committed to building on this success by offering the best solutions for future rotrcraft requirements in Japan. The recent opening of the AgustaWestland regional business headquarters in Tokyo will play a major role in supporting our expanding and already important presence in this key market."

The order also builds upon the recent order by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police for a second AW139 helicopter. In March 2008, the first AW139 maritime patrol and search and rescue helicopters were delivered to the Japan Coast Guard bringing the number of AW139 helicopters operating in Japan to four.

In September 2007, the first KHI manufactured CH101 Antarctic Survey Helicopter, a variant of AgustaWestland’s AW101, was delivered to the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force, bringing the number of helicopters in service with the JMSDF to three.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com