Nakanihon Air, one of Japan's largest helicopter operators, has ordered a H215 heavy helicopter to shore up its capabilities for utility and aerial work. “We are looking forward to receiving Airbus' mission-proven H215 to support our wide-ranging activities in Japan,” says Taku Shibata, president of Nakanihon Air. “We believe the H215 offers the enhanced precision and stability we require, which will not only boost mission readiness but will also build up our fleet capabilities. We are happy to further this partnership with the Airbus Helicopters team in Japan. They understand our needs and have supported our operations for many years.”

Currently operating 45 Airbus Helicopters, Nakanihon specialises in activities covering EMS, electronic news gathering, as well as passenger and goods transportation in Japan. The air services company also runs an Airbus-approved maintenance centre for H135 helicopters, while major inspections of the operator's existing Super Puma fleet are performed at the manufacturer's Kobe maintenance facility.

“We are pleased to support Nakanihon Air's growing business. We thank our customer for their continued confidence in our long-lasting relationship as demonstrated by this first H215 order,” comments Guillaume Leprince, MD of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “Thanks to a four-axis dual duplex digital autopilot system in an intuitive glass cockpit, the H215 provides enhanced mission efficiency and safety while simplifying crew workload. We are confident that it will be an asset to Nakanihon Air, offering the excellent performance it expects.”

There are currently 28 helicopters of the Super Puma family in Japan flown by civil operators, parapublic operators and the Ministry of Defense for various search and rescue missions, coastguard operations and fire-fighting, as well as private and business aviation and commercial air transport missions.