AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Kaigai Aviotech Corporation has placed an order for an AW109 Power light twin helicopter. The helicopter is expected to be delivered by 2012. This latest order further expands the exceptional success achieved by the AW109 Power in the Japanese helicopter market, particularly for VIP/corporate transport and law enforcement applications. With orders logged for 35 AW109 Powers in Japan so far, this helicopter type is benchmark in the local market.
AgustaWestland and Kaigai Aviotech Corporation signed a distribution agreement in 2007 for the sale of AW119 Ke, AW109 Power and Grand commercial models in Japan. Customers in Japan also benefit from leading support solutions which include a spare parts centre headquartered at the Tokyo Heliport to serve the commercial light helicopter market. AgustaWestland has seen its position and share of the Japan helicopter market steadily increase in recent years to become a major supplier of helicopters to both the commercial and government markets and the company sees significant business opportunities in the future.
The AW109 Power is a highly versatile light twin engine helicopter offering outstanding levels of performance with low operating costs. Ensuring superior speed, capacity, productivity and ease of maintenance, it sets the new standard in its class in the world market thanks to its features. Over 470 helicopters have been ordered from nearly 50 countries so far to perform a number of missions also including VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, emergency medical services, harbour pilot shuttle, maritime duties and training.