At Japan Aerospace (Tokyo, 16-18 October) Toho Air Service, Co., Ltd., Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, Co., Ltd. and Leonardo signed a contract for the supply of an additional Leonardo AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopter for the services Tokyo-Ai land shuttle. Delivery of the aircraft is scheduled for 2025.
Tokyo-based Toho Air, with more than 60 years of experience, operates a commuter helicopter service connecting the six main Izu Islands. The AW139 will offer increased capabilities in terms of navigation, cabin space and comfort, safety standards, sustainability and maintenance approach, improving the level of service provided to Toho Air customers.
The signing came as Leonardo and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace celebrate 20 years of successful collaboration in the Japanese helicopter market. The first big step towards the growing success of this collaboration was taken with the introduction of the AW139 in Japan, which quickly became not only one of the most popular models in this country, but also a true icon throughout the world as a bestseller and the most important helicopter program in the entire rotary helicopter industry for the last 20 years.
With over 1400 units on order, more than 1200 aircraft already in service and over 4 million flight hours logged to date with over 300 operators worldwide in over 90 countries, the AW139 has demonstrated its ability to meet all requirements in every market application. AW139s are used by numerous operators in Japan for a wide range of roles, including passenger transport, law enforcement, search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster relief, firefighting and electronic news gathering.
