Leonardo, October 31, 2023 - An EMS-configured AW169 is about to begin a month-long demo tour across Japan, confirming Leonardo’s commitment to partnerships with local players.
Its rich heritage in the country, dating back to the mid-1980s, has witnessed Leonardo’s helicopter fleet grow rapidly in recent years, with around 160 rotorcraft now in service. Ca. 80% of these helicopters are deployed for life-saving missions in roles such as search and rescue (SAR), law enforcement, firefighting and disaster relief as well as primary and secondary EMS missions.
The featured AW169 is operated by Alidaunia, a prominent Italian EMS operator, and a certified Leonardo Service Center with a broad international experience in air transport and maintenance services. Its fleet includes the AW109, AW139 and AW169.
Leonardo will be supported by Alidaunia’s flight crew, composed of a pilot, technical personnel, and a hoist operator, in conducting this tour and illustrating the rotorcraft’s advantages from an operator’s perspective.
In early October, the AW169 arrived at Yao (Osaka prefecture), one of the bases of Aero Asahi Corp., a major Japanese aviation company that will provide Leonardo with support services throughout the demo tour. At Yao, the aircraft has been ground- and flight-tested in preparation for this journey.
The AW169’s tour will take place throughout November, stretching from the northernmost Hokkaido Island and returning to the south of the country. During its numerous stops, the helicopter will be presented to EMS operators, search and rescue organizations, law enforcement agencies, and firefighting aviation units.
Its rich heritage in the country, dating back to the mid-1980s, has witnessed Leonardo’s helicopter fleet grow rapidly in recent years, with around 160 rotorcraft now in service. Ca. 80% of these helicopters are deployed for life-saving missions in roles such as search and rescue (SAR), law enforcement, firefighting and disaster relief as well as primary and secondary EMS missions.
The featured AW169 is operated by Alidaunia, a prominent Italian EMS operator, and a certified Leonardo Service Center with a broad international experience in air transport and maintenance services. Its fleet includes the AW109, AW139 and AW169.
Leonardo will be supported by Alidaunia’s flight crew, composed of a pilot, technical personnel, and a hoist operator, in conducting this tour and illustrating the rotorcraft’s advantages from an operator’s perspective.
In early October, the AW169 arrived at Yao (Osaka prefecture), one of the bases of Aero Asahi Corp., a major Japanese aviation company that will provide Leonardo with support services throughout the demo tour. At Yao, the aircraft has been ground- and flight-tested in preparation for this journey.
The AW169’s tour will take place throughout November, stretching from the northernmost Hokkaido Island and returning to the south of the country. During its numerous stops, the helicopter will be presented to EMS operators, search and rescue organizations, law enforcement agencies, and firefighting aviation units.
AW169 I-LIDI ( Alidaunia )
See also |
AW169 in
Alidaunia AW169 in
Aero Asahi 
