Suzuyo & Co. of Japan has signed a letter of intent with Leonardo to purchase an AW139 Level D FFS for the AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter. The simulator would be installed in a dedicated facility at Mount Fuji Shizuoka airport and operated by Suzuyo's subsidiary Shizuoka Air Commuter Corporation (SACC).

The setup of the first Level D FFS for AW139 helicopter in Japan could further strengthen and add one more diversified business in the partnership between Leonardo and Suzuyo. SACC has introduced into service various helicopters to support EMS in Japan in the framework of the Doctor Heli system programme, which is intended to provide modern airborne EMS coverage to all prefectures in Japan. Earlier this year, SACC also established the first service centre in Japan ranked 'Excellent' under Leonardo's guidelines, focused on maintaining third party fleets and having the largest scope of service capabilities for the successful AW109 light twin series and AW139 in Japan.

With nearly 60 AW139s in service in Japan today performing a wide range of roles such as law enforcement, SAR over land and sea, firefighting and electronic newsgathering, the provision of pilot training services combining a FFS and other training tools and distance learning capabilities at SACC is intended to further reinforce the level of service provided to existing and future operators of the type. This initiative is in line with Leonardo's industrial plan to deliver a greater range of services closer to its customers.