AgustaWestland has continued to make inroads in its battle with rival Eurocopter for Japan's helicopter market, with the company signing a commitment for 16 aircraft with its local representative Kanematsu.
The deal covers 14 AW109 Power light helicopters and two AgustaWestland Grand helicopters for delivery until 2011. Kanematsu also ordered five AW109s earlier this year, bringing the total deals this year to 21. Its help has allowed AgustaWestland make inroads into Japan's law enforcement market.
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There are already 21 AW109s in service with the Tokyo metropolitan police, which also operates an AW101 and two AW139s. The AW109s are used for security patrol, transport and search and rescue missions, and are equipped with a rescue hoist for rescue operations and stretchers for emergency medical operations
"This latest order is further evidence of the rising success we have experienced in the Japanese helicopter market in recent years, including the very competitive law enforcement market where we have met several requirements by offering the best solutions and establishing strong relationships with our customers and our local partners," says Giacomo Saponaro, the senior vice-president at AgustaWestland's international government business unit.
Source: Flight International
