Marks The Type’s Entrance Into The Japanese Market

ITC-Aerospace Inc. of Japan has placed an order for two AgustaWestland AW169 light intermediate helicopters. The aircraft will be leased to private operators. The contract was signed Tuesday in the presence of ITC-Aerospace Inc.’s President and CEO Tomoo Nakayama, during a ceremony held at Japan Aerospace 2012 in Nagoya. This contract marks the entrance of the AW169 helicopter into the Japanese market. ITC-Aerospace Inc. already operates AW109 Power light twin helicopters.

“This early success in the Japanese market for the only new generation helicopter in its class in decades here at Japan Aerospace supports our view that the AW169 will achieve significant sales in Japan in the years to come for a wide range of applications,” said Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business Unit, AgustaWestland.

This latest sale continues the global sales success of this model, which has already been ordered by customers in North America, Asia, Middle East, Europe and Australasia. More than 70 AW169 helicopters have now been ordered for a wide range of missions including corporate transport, air ambulance, law enforcement, utility and offshore transport. With two prototypes already flying, a third prototype expected to take to the air for the first time soon and a fourth prototype planned in 2013, the AW169 is on schedule to achieve certification in 2014. 

The AW169 has been designed in response to the growing market demand for an aircraft that delivers high performance, meets all the latest safety standards and has multi-role capabilities. The 4.5 tonne AW169 incorporates several new technology features to provide the highest levels of safety and operational benefits for its customers. New generation technologies are incorporated in the rotor system, engines, avionics, transmission and electric power generation and distribution systems.

(AW169 File Photo provided by AgustaWestland)

FMI: www.agustawestland.com