Kagoshima International Aviation has ordered a single AgustaWestland GrandNew helicopter for the emergency medical services (EMS) mission.

The helicopter will enter service in early 2015 and will be based at Japan’s Hakodate airport, says AgustaWestland This will be the company’s second GrandNew in EMS configuration.

“This latest purchase is part of the Doctor Heli system programme which is intended to provide modern airborne EMS coverage to all prefectures in Japan,” says AgustaWestland.

“The order further expands the presence of EMS-configured GrandNew helicopters in the Japanese market and continues the growing success of the GrandNew and Finmeccanica - AgustaWestland’s other light twin helicopters in Japan for a range of roles including EMS, law enforcement, VIP/corporate transport and electronic newsgathering.”

Source: FlightGlobal.com