Leonardo (www.leonardocompany.com) and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace (www.aerospace.mitsui.co.jp) — the official distributor in Japan for the AW169, AW139 and AW189 helicopter models — announced a contract for four additional aircraft during an official ceremony held at the Japan Aerospace 2018 exhibition.

This contract further strengthens the partnership between Leonardo and Mitsui, and is a key factor in the continued growth of Leonardo’s fleet in the country, where the AW139 is the best-seller in its segment.

The AW169 light-intermediate and the AW189 super-medium twin-engine helicopters are also paving the way for further growth in Japan.

Last March, Mitsui Bussan Aerospace and Leonardo renewed their distributorship agreement for three years, along with a basic ordering agreement to increase the stock of spare parts, further strengthening customer support services.

The AW139 has been extremely successful in Japan, performing a number of public utility roles, including: search and rescue and coast guard duties with the Japan Coast Guard; law enforcement, firefighting and disaster relief with the Japan National Police Agency, Tokyo Metropolitan Police and Fire and Disaster Management Agency; and supporting several prefectures and city authorities.

Around 130 Leonardo helicopters of various models are currently in service in Japan, performing a wide range of missions.