13:00 GMT, September 15, 2009 AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce that the Japan National Police Agency (JNPA) has ordered another medium lift AW139 helicopter to replace the Chiba prefecture’s AS332L1 helicopter. The selection is endorsement of the popularity of the AW139 and supports the growing views that the multi-role AW139 can perform the mission requirements of older heavier class helicopters. This addition to the JNPA fleet increases the number of AW139 helicopters operating in the law enforcement role in Japan to three with the first two helicopters being selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

AgustaWestland has achieved strong growth in the Japanese helicopter market in recent years, with the AW139 gaining success in both the commercial and public service markets. The AW139 is well positioned to meet future market demand in Japan for a wide range of missions including fire fighting and disaster relief. The AW139 is currently operating in the Search and Rescue role with the Japan Coast Guard and in the law enforcement role with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. In addition the helicopter has been purchased by All Nippon Helicopter to provide NHK with an enhanced capability to provide Electronic News Gathering Services.

The AW139 has set the new standard in the medium twin class featuring unparalleled performance, state-of-the-art technology and the most spacious and comfortable cabin. Designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, the AW139 is capable of carrying up to 15 passengers or up to four litters and four medical attendants. State-of-the-art technology, outstanding performance, low operating costs and the only helicopter in its class to meet the latest safety standards, have made the AW139 the helicopter of choice in its class. The AW139 is a new generation medium twin-engine helicopter offering unmatched performance, capacity and safety. It meets the most stringent civil and government certification standards, including the latest FAA and EASA FAR/JAR Part 29 amendments. The AW139 has an optional Maximum Gross Weight (MGW) of 6,800 kg (14,991 Ib), a 400 kg (882 Ib) increase on the standard MGW of 6,400 kg. The increased MGW and resulting payload increase enables the AW139 to meet long range mission requirements giving operators greater levels of capability. Orders for almost 440 AW139 helicopters have been placed by almost 120 customers from nearly 40 countries to perform many missions including offshore transport, SAR/EMS, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement and homeland security, utility and various government duties.