Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, the official Japanese distributor for Leonardo's AW169, AW139 and AW189 helicopter models, has signed a contract for four additional aircraft at the Japan Aerospace 2018 exhibition.

The signing follows Mitsui Bussan and Leonardo's renewal of their distributorship agreement for another three years in March. At the same time they also renewed a basic ordering agreement to increase spare parts stock, further strengthening customer support services in the country.

The AW139 has already extablished a firm foothold in Japan. It performs a number of public utility roles including SAR 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; as well as supporting several prefectures and city authorities. Around 130 Leonardo Helicopters are in service in Japan today.

Leonardo's regional office, based in Tokyo, has been supporting the company's growing helicopter business in the country since 2008. The OEM believes that the Japanese turbine helicopter market shows significant potential over the next few decades as operators replace ageing fleets and expects up to 30 new units to enter the market every year.

Leonardo has been providng maintenance services to its Japanese fleet for nearly 25 years through a growing nationwide support network. This is set to strengthen further with the establishment by Shizuoka Air Commuter Corporation of a helicopter MRO service centre in Mount Fuji Shizuoka airport next year.