Japan’s second largest fire department, the Osaka Municipal Fire Department (OMFD), has placed an order for one H155 helicopter for firefighting and rescue missions. Equipped with emergency medical service equipment, floodlighting and a helicopter video transmission system, this new addition will join the operator’s existing fleet in serving the entire Osaka prefecture, with a population… Read more »
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced that two Japanese prefectures have placed orders for two Bell 412EPI helicopters. The orders came from the Wakayama and Ishikawa Prefectures, through Rotorcraft Services Group (RSG) and EuroTec Japan Corporation. Each Prefecture has ordered one Bell 412EPI, and the aircraft will be operated by their respective… Read more »
At a ceremony held this week, Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and SUBARU CORPORATION, announced that the Japan National Police Agency (JPNA) has placed the first order for a SUBARU BELL 412EPX. “We thank the National Police Agency for its trust,” said Mitch Snyder, president and chief executive officer. “These aircraft will… Read more »
The Japanese Ministry of Defence has recently donated UH-1H Huey spare parts to the Philippine Air Force. The parts as well as maintenance are worth around P2.5 billion. The ceremonial turnover service was held in Clark Air Base in Pampanga, reports GMA Network.
Airbus Helicopters Japan Co., Ltd. has handed over the H135 equipped with the Heliconics to Mainichi Shimbun. To commemorate this, a new coverage helicopter safety prayer festival and a naming ceremony were held on the 28th in the daily newspaper company Haneda Hangar. The aircraft will be added to three EC135 (now H135) aircraft owned… Read more »
A new heliport is to be built in the Japanese city of Fukuoka to help ease pressure on the city’s Airport. As of 2017, Fukuoka Airport was not only the fourth busiest in Japan, but also the fourth busiest single-runway airport in the world – both measures based on annual passenger numbers, which exceeded 20… Read more »
Riding on its growing business, Airbus Helicopters will be adding a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) complex adjacent to its existing facility in the Kobe Airport Facility in Japan. Construction will commence in June 2019, with the new facility expected to be operational in November 2019. The company’s existing facility is capable of accommodating up… Read more »
Kansai-based helicopter operator Hiaratagakuen has welcomed its second H145//BK117D-2, following the milestone delivery of its first unit in December 2017. Currently operating 14 H135s and one H145//BK117D-2, this new H145//BK117D-2 will join Hiratagakuen’s growing fleet to support emergency medical service (EMS) missions, and serves as a passenger and material transport. The first H145//BK117D-2 already entered… Read more »
Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera met with Saga Gov. Yoshinori Yamaguchi to discuss the planned deployment of V-22 aircraft. The deployment had been put on hold after a GSDF AH-64D attack helicopter crashed into a house in Saga Prefecture in February. The pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crash, while a girl was injured fleeing… Read more »
StandardAero announced today the attainment of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for their retrofittable crash-resistant fuel tank (CRFT) system for the Airbus Helicopters AS350 and EC130 family of light single helicopters. The newly approved CRFT was developed in partnership with Robertson Fuel Systems, the leader in the design and manufacture of fuel containment systems. … Read more »
New Zealand based Oceania Aviation have recently imported a pair of AS332L Super Pumas, with a short YouTube video showing them being craned off a couple of trucks and put into their Ardmore Airport hangar. The helicopters have been acquired from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, where they had been used as VVIP aircraft from… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters has secured new contracts for three helicopters from Japanese operators, following its successful start to the New Year with recent contract announcements for one new H135 and an AS365 N3+. With this new stream of orders, Airbus Helicopters has received orders for a total of five helicopters in the first quarter of 2018,… Read more »
In the last couple of weeks, three Bell 505s – soon to be joined by a fourth – have been doing initial flight tests at Kagoshima Airport in the south west of Japan. All are flying in the colours of Japan Coast Guard. Some photos published on the internet show three of the helicopters already flying,… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters’ business in Japan gains traction with two new orders and two new deliveries at the start of the year, reaffirming the company’s strong presence in the country. Currently leading the Japanese civil and parapublic helicopter market with more than 50% market share, Airbus Helicopters plans to increase its position in tandem with the… Read more »
Leonardo and Shizuoka Air Commuter Corporation (SACC) of Japan announced the signing of a Service Centre Agreement to set up helicopter MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) capabilities in Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport. The agreement foresees the construction and completion of a new dedicated hangar in 2018, with operational readiness by spring 2019. The MRO centre… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters Japan (AHJ) has successfully handed over the first H145//BK117D-2 to Hiratagakuen, at a delivery ceremony held in AHJ Kobe facility today. The aircraft will enter into service for the emergency medical service (EMS) operations in Nagasaki prefecture in June 2018. This new delivery reinforces the partnership between Hiratagakuen and AHJ. Hiratagakuen signed the… Read more »
Helicopter crashed and burnt out on a road bridge. Scene photo shows part of tail on river bank below bridge. All four POB received fatal injuries. Local power cuts indicate a wire strike but unclear if that was cause of accident or result of the flight altitude at the time
Leonardo announced today that it has significantly grown its market share in the Japanese helicopter market by securing orders for AW169, AW139 and AW189 helicopters in firefighting configuration following highly competitive tenders. Leonardo and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, the Japanese distributor for the AW169 and AW139 types, have signed contracts with the Yamaguchi Prefecture Fire Fighting… Read more »
AirX has announced that their new helicopter taxi service, CodeShare, is now officially available. Flights go from the Tokyo Heliport in Shinkiba to Hakone, Narita Airport and Hatsushima. A flight from Tokyo to Narita Airport comes to 59, 800 yen, reports Asiaventurepedia.
The Japanese Defense Minister, Itsunori Onodera, announced last Friday that he has expectations that the US Military will suspend all CH-53E flights in Okinawa for an indefinite period. This was after the crash that occurred on Wednesday, where the aircraft caught alight during flight, reports Kyodo News.
Onboard Systems International, Inc., a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, today announced that its cargo hook kit for the Robinson R44 Raven II aircraft has been certified for use in Japan by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). This featherweight cargo hook kit is built around Onboard’s TALON® LC Keeperless Cargo Hook… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters Japan has secured a contract for one H125 with Akagi Helicopter Co., Ltd. The proven helicopter from the Ecureuil family will join the company’s fleet for various transportation missions, in June 2018. Akagi Helicopter currently operates two SA315s and four AS350s. This will be the first H125 to be operated by the Japanese… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters has been awarded a contract from the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) for the purchase of three additional H225s. This new order will bring the JCG’s total H225 fleet to nine units by February 2020. The JCG already placed an order for a sixth H225 in 2016, which will be delivered in 2018. Under… Read more »
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has signed a contract for one H215, making it the first operator in Japan to operate the rotorcraft when it is delivered in 2020. Currently operating a fleet of 14 helicopters, the largest police air corps in Japan plans to enhance its law enforcement activities with this new H215…. Read more »
When the rescue helicopter — which was hovering over the scene — moved its position, rocks and tree branches suddenly tumbled down the slope over the patient (who had fallen and summoned help) and the two rescue workers on the ground. The man was airlifted to a hospital in Kofu where he was confirmed dead…. Read more »
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has received contracts to upgrade the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M‑TADS/PNVS) system for Japan’s fleet of AH-64DJP Apache attack helicopters and provide Performance Based Logistics (PBL) support. Under the M-TADS/PNVS contract, Lockheed Martin will deliver 14 laser designation kits through 2020 to upgrade Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) M-TADS systems. The Modernized… Read more »
Mikikanko Company, a real estate firm based in Chiba, Japan, has enjoyed multiple successes venturing into various businesses such as amusement and recreation services. To support its existing and expanding businesses, Mikikanko has selected the Airbus light single H125 helicopter to perform any mission it requires. The reason why the H125 was selected is simple…. Read more »
Recently, the US Department of Defence revealed that their plans to station a special squadron of US Air Force’s CV-22 Ospreys in Japan have been delayed. The arrival of the CV-22s was expected at the end of 2017, but the DoD is now expected to be in the Fiscal Year 2020, reports Air Forces Monthly…. Read more »
Leonardo announced today a further expansion of its already significant presence in the Japan’s helicopter market with new contracts and deliveries, bringing total orders close to 160 units and aircraft fleet to nearly 120 units to date. A private customer has signed a contract for an AgustaWestland AW139 in VIP configuration marking the entrance of… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters in Japan has secured a contract extension with Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), to provide performance-based logistics (PBL) for its H225 (previously known as EC-225 LP) fleet over the next five years, benefitting from Airbus’ new customer fleet availability service offer ‘HCare Infinite’. “We are delighted with the contract renewal by… Read more »
Airbus has delivered a brand new H135 to Hiratagakuen. Upon delivery, the helicopter will be deployed for emergency medical service (EMS) operations for the Nara Prefecture from February onwards. It will be the first time that the H135 is used for such EMS operations in Japan. “We have been operating an earlier version of the… Read more »
The National Police Agency of Japan has placed an order for two H135 light-twin helicopters, making it the first in Japan to operate the Helionix-equipped helicopters, when these are delivered in 2019. The H135 will be deployed by the Wakayama Prefectural Police and the Kumamoto Prefectural Police for law enforcement missions. At the same time,… Read more »
The Defence Ministry had to reprimand its Maritime Self-Defence Force Chief, Adm. Tomohisa Takei, for diminishing the procurement procedure of new helicopters. A whistle-blower has reported that the MSDF’s decision to buy nine multipurpose helicopters took an improper change when Takei expressed pressure to rather purchase a large-sized MCH-101 helicopter. It was said that the… Read more »
MV-22 Ospreys with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force will continue flight operations today. “We have conducted a thorough, careful and exhaustive review of MV-22 aviation safety procedures and briefed Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials,” said U.S. Forces, Japan Commander Lt. Gen. Jerry P. Martinez. “While the investigation is… Read more »
le Jima Auxiliary Airfield tendered land in 2013 for four quadrilateral helipads, as well as two unpaved helipads. Construction on the project began in August this year. As reported by Ryukyu Shimpo, the construction plans were laid out in the 2015 U.S Marine Corps Aviation Plan. The U.S Military hopes to have the project completed… Read more »
HNZ Group Inc. (TSX: HNZ) (the “Corporation”), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, announced today that it has entered into a joint venture with PHI, Inc. (“PHI”) to provide offshore helicopter transportation services for the INPEX-led Ichthys LNG Project. INPEX is Japan’s largest oil and gas exploration and production company, and… Read more »
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some… Read more »
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some… Read more »
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters Japan has delivered a brand-new H125 to Nishi Nippon Airlines Co., Ltd. This Ecureuil family aircraft will be used for various services the company offers, including power line patrols, aerial photography, survey and cargo transportation. The company currently operates a total of five AS350Bs / AS350BAs, and one AS365N2. “We are pleased to… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters Japan has signed a contract with Hiratagakuen for two H145//BK117D-2s as a sales agent in Japan for Kawasaki Heavy Industries for the helicopter. A signing ceremony was held today at the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition 2016, in the presence of Mitsuhiro Hirata, Vice President, Aviation Operation Division of Hiratagakuen and Guillaume Leprince, Head… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters Japan has signed a contract with Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) for Performance-based Logistics (PBL) benefiting from Airbus Helicopters’ new customer fleet availability service offer called HCare. The PBL is a contract method that involves payment of compensation according to the level of equipment performance achieved in terms of availability ratio and stable… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters Japan has delivered a brand-new H125 to Toho Air Service Co., Ltd. It is the 10th H125 delivered to the Japanese customer and this Ecureuil family aircraft will be used for various services, including passenger and cargo transport. Toho Air Service is the very first customer of Airbus Helicopters in Japan, currently operating… Read more »
“We are pleased to sign for the Bell 505 and look forward to integrating the aircraft into our operations,” said Mr. Toma. “Yuhi Airlines provides world class air transportation services throughout Japan, and the Bell 505 will provide customers with efficient transportation and high levels of visibility to enjoy the views.” Yuhi Airlines was founded… Read more »
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the first customer for its Customer Advantage Plan (CAP) support solution in Japan. SECO International signed a letter of intent (LOI) for CAP coverage of their two future Bell 505’s while at the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition. Bell Helicopter’s Customer Advantage Plans provide customers with comprehensive… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters Japan has signed a contract for one AS365N3+ with the Fukuoka City. The twin-engine Dauphin family aircraft will replace the currently operated AS365N2. The delivery is scheduled in spring 2018. The Fukuoka City Fire Department currently operates a fleet of one AS365N2 and one AS365N3+ for firefighting missions. Fukuoka City first introduced the… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters Japan has signed a contract for one H125 with Mikikanko Co., ltd. This is a milestone deal, with the company purchasing a helicopter for the very first time. The real estate company will use the proven Ecureuil family aircraft mainly for its existing and new businesses. The delivery is scheduled in 2017. A… Read more »
Leonardo-Finmeccanica shows continued strength in all civil helicopter markets. The company announced today the signing of a contract with Centaurium Aviation Ltd. of Switzerland for an AgustaWestland GrandNew light twin engine helicopter. The signing was performed during an official ceremony held at Helitech, Amsterdam. This aircraft is scheduled to enter service in spring 2017 and… Read more »
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is proud to formally announce that the first Bell 412EPI in Japan delivered first quarter 2016 to Aomori Prefecture’s Firefighting and Disaster Prevention Agency has entered into service. Aomori Prefecture was also the first customer to receive a Bell 412EP in Japan at the start of its… Read more »
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today its participation at the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition 2016 (JA2016) held October 12 through October 15 at Tokyo Big Sight. Leadership from Bell Helicopter, Textron Aviation and Textron Systems will be available in booth #W3-018 to discuss their innovative product lines, customizable aircraft offerings, as… Read more »
Navy and Coast Guard representatives from 11 countries came together for dialogue and information sharing during a Helicopter Operations from Ships other Than Aircraft Carriers (HOSTAC) conference in Singapore, Aug 29-Sept 2. Conference participants represented Great Britain, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United States. HOSTAC is an… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters in Japan has handed over a brand-new H135 to Tohoku Air Service (TAS). The H135 (formerly known as EC135 P3) is the latest version of the EC135 family of helicopters and TAS will be the first operator to introduce this variant in Japan. Currently, TAS is operating two EC135 P2+s, which are used… Read more »
Bell Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded $9,561,182 for modification P00010 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N61340-12-C-0033) for the procurement of one MV-22 TiltrotorContainerized Flight Training Device for the government of Japan under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Chantilly, Virginia (90 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (8… Read more »
The following statement from the US Dept of Defense yesterday indicates that four MV-22 Ospreys are to be built for Japan, with the wording carefully crafted due to the way that the Far Eastern country had regarded their defence operations since 1954 – for example, they use “Air Self-Defence Force” in place of “Air Force”… Read more »
Leonardo-Finmeccanica and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace of Japan are celebrating at Farnborough Air Show 2016 today the imminent delivery of the 50th AgustaWestland AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopter to Japan. The strength of the Leonardo Mitsui Bussan Aerospace partnership and market leading capabilities of the AW139 has seen the aircraft dominate markets that have traditionally been occupied… Read more »
Leonardo-Finmeccanica’s range of helicopters show continued success in the Japanese market with the selection of two brand new AgustaWestland AW109 Trekkers for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police law-enforcement fleet. The two helicopters are scheduled to be delivered in 2017, making this customer the first Asian law enforcement operator of the type. Civil certification of the AW109… Read more »
Leonardo-Finmeccanica announced today with its distributor Kaigai Corporation of Japan that Kagoshima International Aviation has placed an order for a second AgustaWestland GrandNew light twin engine helicopter to perform emergency medical service (EMS) missions in Kagoshima Prefecture. The aircraft is expected to enter service in the autumn of 2016. This latest purchase is part of… Read more »
Bell unveiled a mockup of their 505 JetRanger X at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. This is the first time the Bell 505 has been on display in Japan and marks the beginning of a four-month demonstration tour across the region, including various customer sites and events in Japan, the… Read more »
Vector Aerospace has secured a contract from Aero Asahi to perform an Airbus Helicopters AS355 F2 12-year major inspection, including wiring, refurbishment and exterior paint. This will be the latest of several AS355 refurbishments that Vector has performed for Aero Asahi over the past two years. “We are pleased to be selected by Aero Asahi… Read more »
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some… Read more »
Able Aerospace Services, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has earned certification by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) as an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO). The recognition expands Able’s broad certification platform that includes airworthiness recognition from across the globe. The JCAB-AMO certification, which is issued by Japan’s Minister… Read more »
Frasca International, Inc. has received and order for a Level 5 Flight Training Device (FTD) for the EC135 helicopter from TKK, Tokyo Aircraft Instrument Co., Ltd. The FTD will feature a three channel flat screen visual system, single pilot instrumentation and controls, Garmin GPS and Electric Control Loading. TKK is a repeat customer of Frasca’s… Read more »
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has announced that it has delivered two EC145 helicopters to the National Police Agency in its native Japan. These will be the first EC145s to be used by the National Police Agency, and are replacements of existing helicopters deployed by the Police in the prefectures of Kanagawa and Chiba. The EC145 is,… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with Japan Coast Guard (JCG) for the purchase of an additional H225. JCG, which already operates five H225s, has ordered this additional aircraft as part of its fleet renewal plans. The helicopter is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2018. This H225 will be equipped with the most… Read more »
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some… Read more »
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some… Read more »
The helicopter division of Finmeccanica has reported that Shizuoka Air Commuter Corporation has ordered a GrandNew helicopter in air ambulance configuration for use in the Niigata Prefecture. THe aircraft will fly as part of the national helicopter air ambulance programme “Doctor Heli” which covers all Japanese prefectures through a series of different operator. The company… Read more »
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today a signed purchase agreement with Aichi Prefecture for a Bell 412EPI configured for parapublic operations and used specifically for firefighting missions and disaster relief. “The selection of the Bell 412EPI will enhance Aichi’s capability and help ensure the safety and security of citizens throughout the… Read more »
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some… Read more »
Airbus Helicopters has successfully handed over the 14th and 15th H135 training helicopters to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). This marks the delivery completion of 15 H135s over the last six years. Designated as TH-135 by JMSDF, the 13 units delivered prior have been in operation since 2011. The TH-135 is a variant of… Read more »
Japan has always been at the front position of new technologies, and the commercial production of drones could be a multibillion yen industry. See Full Story
HeliHub.com maintains a detailed record of accidents and incidents, and trust that by making this information easily available. In a coincidence, two different Japanese operators managed to drop underslung loads from Super Puma helicopters within a week of each other. Neither incident resulted in any injuries to persons, or damage to aircraft Here are the… Read more »
Took off from a temporary helipad in Takahama Cho, Fukui Prefecture, Japan at 10:12 Japan Standard Time. During carrying loads externally, wooden frame, about 1.3 m by 0.5 m, was dropped unintentionally at an altitude about 170 m. The frame was found in a car park. No one was injured. The helicopter sustained no damage.
Took off from a temporary helipad about 11:00 Japan Standard Time to carry liquid concrete in the externally slung bucket with a cargo hook. After unloaded the liquid concrete, the pilot mistakenly operated the cargo hook release switch and the empty bucket, the weight of which was about 210 kg, was dropped unintentionally at an… Read more »
