Aero Asahi Corporation, part of Toyota Motor Group, has signed a support-by-hour (SBH) contract with Safran Helicopter Engines covering the powerplants for the operator's BK117C2, H125, S-76C+ and AS365 N3 fleets.

The five-year contract supports a total of 55 Arriel 1 and 2 engines. This agreement is the second five-year SBH extension contract signed with this Japanese operator, one of the longest-standing support contracts of this kind in the region at 15 years.

General manager of Aero Asahi's procurement and logistic department Osamu Washida says: “SBH is a great cost control solution providing full visibility and cash flow smoothing together with a high level of proximity support from Safran.”

Safran's director for Japan Guy Bonaud adds: “Safran and Aero Asahi Corporation have a long history of mutual trust, since more than 55 years now. Their renewed choice for SBH is a great proof of confidence in the programme and in our company. We are proud to support them and their operations for the next five years under SBH.”

Aero Asahi Corporation provides a range of services including emergency medical airlifts, cargo transport in mountainous areas and offshore, reconnaissance flights for aerial photography and live coverage broadcasting. Another service that has grown rapidly as of recent years is its charter business, offering customers flexible flight plans and privacy aboard business jets.

This contract will be managed by Safran Helicopter Engines Japan, which supports more than 550 engines operated by 110 customers flying in the country.