Mon, Apr 14, 2008
Will Support Growing Defense, Commercial Sales In Region
AgustaWestland, in support of its increasing business activities
in Japan, announced last week the opening of its new regional
business headquarters in Tokyo. The opening ceremony was attended
by Finmeccanica Chief Operating Officer Giorgio Zappa,
AgustaWestland Chief Executive Officer Giuseppe Orsi, Italian
Ambassador Mario Bova and British Ambassador Sir Graham Fry.
"We are proud to announce the opening of our new business
headquarters in Tokyo to support our expanding and already
significant presence in Japan," said Giuseppe Orsi, CEO,
AgustaWestland. "AgustaWestland has seen its position and share of
the Japanese helicopter market steadily increased in recent years
to become a major supplier of helicopters to both the commercial
and government markets. The new headquarters will play an important
role to further expand our business in Japan where we see
significant future business opportunities." AgustaWestland has a
longstanding and successful presence in Japan. Several partnerships
involving primary players including Kawasaki Heavy Industries,
Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, Marubeni, Kaigai Aviotech and Kanematsu
have further reinforced AgustaWestland's role in the
country.
AgustaWestland and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) signed a
license production and purchase agreement in 2003 to produce and
support the Japanese MCH101s, as the Japan Maritime Self Defense
Force's AW101s have been designated. The AW101 was selected in
September 2003 with orders for 14 units for Airborne Mine
Countermeasures (11) and Antarctic Support (3) roles. Additionally,
one AW101 is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police
Agency. The Japan Coast Guard has recently taken delivery of
three AW139 medium twin helicopters, ordered in late 2006 as the
initial phase of a replacement program for up to 24 helicopters to
perform maritime search and rescue and patrol missions. Two
additional helicopters have been ordered and they are expected to
be delivered in the fourth quarter 2008.
AgustaWestland also reports growing success in the law
enforcement market. The AW109 Power has been selected by the Japan
National Police Agency for 16 prefectures including the Tokyo
Metropolitan Police Agency.
With 18 aircraft already in service, the AW109 Power and the
AW139 are now the benchmark helicopters for Law Enforcement
operations In Japan. The first Japanese AW139 helicopter was
delivered to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Agency in 2006.
AgustaWestland sees a significant number of new opportunities in
the Japanese market for the doctor Heli emergency medical service,
fire fighting, disaster relief, electronic news gathering, utility
applications and ongoing training and support services. Marubeni
Aerospace, Mitsui Bussan Aerospace and Kaigai Aviotech are
AgustaWestland's official distributors in the country with
Kanematsu Corporation representing the company for the JNPA light
twin engine helicopter replacement program.
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