Aircraft Will Be Positioned At Japan's New Southern Hokkaido Doctor Heli Base

Kagoshima International Aviation in Japan has placed an order for a GrandNew light twin helicopter to perform emergency medical service missions for Hakodate City Hospital in Southern Hokkaido. The aircraft, which is expected to enter service in early 2015, will be based at the Hakodate Airport. Kagoshima International Aviation already has a GrandNew in EMS configuration in service in the Kagoshima Prefecture.

This latest purchase is part of the Doctor Heli system program which is intended to provide modern airborne EMS coverage to all prefectures in Japan. The order further expands the presence of EMS-configured GrandNew helicopters in the Japanese market and continues the growing success of the GrandNew and Finmeccanica - AgustaWestland’s other light twin helicopters in Japan for a range of roles including EMS, law enforcement, VIP/corporate transport and electronic newsgathering.

The company said the GrandNew was chosen by the customer after a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process to ensure it could meet its demanding mission and safety requirements. Kagoshima International Aviation’s GrandNew features a comprehensive EMS configuration with a cabin layout able to accommodate one litter plus four medical attendants or two litters plus medical attendants. The aircraft is also fitted with skis and ice detector.

(Image provided by AgustaWestland)

FMI: www.agustawestland.com