Bell Nishi Nippon

Japan-based Nishi Nippon Airlines has taken delivery of a Bell 412EP from Bell Helicopter’s new office in Tokyo, Japan.

The airline placed an order with Bell for the rotorcraft in November 2014.

Said to facilitate multiple mission critical operations worldwide, the Bell 412EP features a dual digital automatic flight control system with IFR option and Category A / JAR OPS 3 capability.

The rotorcraft can travel at a speed of 122kts, at a range of 358nm, and can accommodate 13 passengers and two crew members.

"The rotorcraft can travel at a speed of 122kts, at a range of 358nm, and can accommodate 13 passengers and two crew members."

Nishi Nippon Airlines president Nobuo Tanoue said: "The Bell 412EP has been our workhorse and we have appreciated its superior cargo sling capability for our goods and material transport missions."

The carrier, which provides air cargo and non-scheduled air transportation services, plans to use Bell 412EP for electric power utility missions.

The new helicopter complements the airline’s existing fleet, including Bell 412EP, Bell 429 and three Bell 427 aircraft.

Bell Helicopter president John Garrison said: "This year Bell Helicopter celebrates 80 years of changing the way the world flies.

"Our aim is to put our customers, like Nishi Nippon, at the centre of all we do, so Bell Helicopter can be a leader for the next 80 years."

Bell Helicopter’s Tokyo office manages sales and marketing for new aircraft in commercial and civil government sectors in Japan. The facility will soon commence aftermarket services, including supporting authorised customer service facilities.

Image: Bell Helicopter president John Garrison and Nishi Nippon Airlines president Nobuo Tanoue. Photo: courtesy of Textron Inc.