Airbus Helicopters has secured new contracts for three helicopters from Japanese operators, following its successful start to the New Year with recent contract announcements for one new H135 and an AS365 N3+. With this new stream of orders, Airbus Helicopters has received orders for a total of five helicopters in the first quarter of 2018, reinforcing its market position in Japan.

The first contract was signed with existing customer Auto Panther, for one ACH130 featuring Airbus' signature 'Stylence by ACH' luxury interiors, which offers a dynamic, sports car inspired interior design. The first in Japan to operate the ACH130, the company will use the helicopter for corporate VIP transportation in Kagoshima, south of Japan.

The second contract was secured from longstanding customer Noevir Aviation Inc., for one light single engine H125 from the popular Ecureuil family. The company has been operating several units of an earlier version of the H125, which have been serving its charter needs for the past three decades. Equipped with Airbus' innovative glass cockpit suite, this new rotorcraft will join the current fleet for passenger transportation in the country.

The third contract was inked with Nakanihon Air Service, for a new light twin H135 helicopter. With this new order, the company's H135 grows to an impressive fleet of 20, deployed for a variety of missions spanning helicopter emergency medical services and electronic news gathering.

"We are delighted at how our helicopters continue to play an important role across a spectrum of missions in Japan. These new orders speak of our customers' trust in our products. It also underscores our strong in-country support for their fleet now and for more years to come," said Olivier Tillier, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. "Japan is a very important market for Airbus Helicopters and we stay committed to creating greater value for our customers in this country."

Currently leading the Japanese civil and parapublic helicopter market with more than 50% market share and a well-established value chain supporting its customers in the country, Airbus Helicopters plans to increase its position in tandem with the Japan's projected fleet growth of 2% annually over the next 20 years.

Contributed by Airbus