Has Filled The Role For The AW139 Since 2005

Companies in Japan who plan to acquire a new AW169 helicopter will be dealing with Mitsui Bussan Aerospace (MBA), which has been appointed as the official distributor for the all-new aircraft in Japan. AgustaWestland said in announcing the move that it further strengthens its partnership with MBA, which has been the official distributor of the AW139 in Japan since 2005.

“By appointing MBA as the official distributor of the latest addition to the AgustaWestland product range, we are confident the AW169 will find similar market response  setting new standards in its category," said Andrew Symonds, AgustaWestland’s Head of Region, NE Asia. "By doing so MBA also becomes a distributor for two out of three types in our Family of new generation helicopters introducing unprecedented levels of capabilities, mission effectiveness and cost savings for aircraft support and training.” 

The helo manufacturer says the AW169 4.5 ton class is "set to be the most advanced and cost effective helicopter in its class for several missions." The AW169 is part of the AgustaWestland family of new generation helicopters that includes the AW139 and AW189 models, which share a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concept. The company says this commonality will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets across the 4 to 8.5 tonne categories.
 
More than 70 AW169 helicopters have now been ordered by customers worldwide for a wide range of missions including corporate transport, air ambulance, law enforcement, utility and offshore transport. With three prototypes already flying and a fourth prototype planned in 2013, the AW169 is on schedule to achieve certification in 2014.

(AW169 prototype file photo provided by AgustaWestland)

FMI: www.agustawestland.com