ITC-Aerospace Inc. of Japan has placed an order for two AW169 light intermediate helicopters. The aircraft will be leased to private operators. The contract was signed today in the presence of ITC-Aerospace Inc.’s President and CEO Tomoo Nakayama, during a ceremony held at Japan Aerospace 2012 in Nagoya. This contract marks the entrance of the AW169 helicopter into the Japanese market. ITC-Aerospace Inc. already operates AW109 Power light twin helicopters.

Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business Unit, AgustaWestland commented after the ceremony “We are proud that ITC Aerospace Inc., with whom we have established a strong partnership since 1995, has selected the AW169 thereby making it the first customer for the type in Japan.” He went on to say “This early success in the Japanese market for the only new generation helicopter in its class in decades here at Japan Aerospace supports our view that the AW169 will achieve significant sales in Japan in the years to come for a wide range of applications.” This latest sale continues the global sales success of this model, which has already been ordered by customers in North America, Asia, Middle East, Europe and Australasia. More than 70 AW169 helicopters have now been ordered for a wide range of missions including corporate transport, air ambulance, law enforcement, utility and offshore transport. With two prototypes already flying, a third prototype expected to take to the air for the first time soon and a fourth prototype planned in 2013, the AW169 is on schedule to achieve certification in 2014.

A versatile, new generation twin engine light intermediate category helicopter, the AW169 has been designed in response to the growing market demand for an aircraft that delivers high performance, meets all the latest safety standards and has multi-role capabilities. The 4.5 tonne AW169 incorporates several new technology features to provide the highest levels of safety and operational benefits for its customers. New generation technologies are incorporated in the rotor system, engines, avionics, transmission and electric power generation and distribution systems. The AW169 is set to be the most advanced and cost effective helicopter in its class for VIP/corporate transport, EMS, SAR, law enforcement, fire fighting, electronic newsgathering and offshore transport missions. The AW169 is part of the AgustaWestland family of new generation helicopters that includes the AW139 and AW189 models, which posses the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features as well as sharing a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concept. This commonality will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets across the 4 to 8.5 tonne categories.

Agusta Westland press release