Japan's Kanematsu Corporation Signs Agreement For 16 AgustaWestland Helicopters

Japan's Kanematsu Corporation Signs Agreement For 16 AgustaWestland Helicopters (NSI News Source Info) October 3, 2008: AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Kanematsu Corporation, AgustaWestland’s representative in Japan, has signed an agreement for 16 helicopters comprising 14 AW109 Power light twin helicopters and two AgustaWestland Grand twin engine helicopters with a commitment through 2011. A signing ceremony was held today at the Japan Aerospace 2008 Exhibition in Yokohama. AgustaWestland has achieved growing success in Japan’s law enforcement market recently and through the partnership with Kanematsu Corporation, AgustaWestland is rapidly becoming the leader in this important market. A total of 21 AW109 Power helicopters had been ordered to perform law enforcement duties in Japan prior to this latest agreement.

AW109 Power light twin helicopter

Most of the 21 AW109 Power helicopters already ordered are in service together with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police (TMP) AW101 and the two Tokyo Metropolitan Police (TMP) AW139 helicopters indicating the very strong relationship AgustaWestland has formed with the Japan National Police Agency and confirming that the AW109 Power has become the benchmark helicopter for light twin engine law enforcement tasks in Japan. Giacomo Saponaro, Senior Vice President, International Government Business Unit, AgustaWestland said today during the signing ceremony "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. We are delighted to further strengthen our partnership with Kanematsu Corporation and we are committed to building on the success already achieved by offering the best solutions for future rotorcraft requirements in this country". AgustaWestland is committed to working with the JNPA and Kanematsu Corporation to ensure the current fleet of helicopters are operating to their full potential and is fully committed to provide helicopter solutions for JNPA’s future requirements. The JNPA AW109 Power helicopters feature state of the art high tech special police equipment and are used for security patrol, transport and search and rescue. The Japanese police configuration is equipped with a rescue hoist for rescue operations and stretchers for emergency medical operations. Over 460 AW109 Powers have been ordered for both commercial and government purposes from 50 countries. The AW109 Power’s range of roles also includes VIP/corporate, maritime applications, emergency medical service and training.