Airbus has secured two contract extensions with Japan’s Ministry of Defence.
The first contract is for the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force’s (JGSDF) H225 fleet. The HCare Infinite agreement covers maintenance, repair, parts supply and technical support for JGSDF’s three H225 helicopters. JGSDF was Airbus’ first performance-based logistics (PBL) customer in Japan, which Airbus’ in-country team has been supporting its helicopters under the support contract since 2013. The H225 helicopters are currently operated by JGSDF’s Special Transportation Squadron.
The second contract is for the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force’s (JMSDF) TH-135 fleet (globally known as H135). The renewed agreement will now include engine parts supply, technical support, and retrofit of the helicopter cockpit voice and flight data recorder to enhance the safety of the fleet, which will cover all 15 TH-135 training helicopters. Since 2016, JMSDF has benefitted from the HCare Smart reliable parts supply and maintenance management, helping the agency to efficiently control costs, simplify its operational requirements and enhance aircraft availability.
“Airbus’ HCare programme is rooted in the core belief that every customer requirement is unique, and deserves a fully customised level of attention and support. These two contract extensions from Japan’s Ministry Defence speak of our customer’s endorsement in our ability to deliver the support services that meet their needs,” said Guillaume Leprince, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “Our team in Japan is proud of the opportunity to continue supporting our customer’s fleets and we remain committed to ensuring a high level of fleet availability, safety and efficiency”.
HCare is Airbus’ comprehensive services offering, delivering tailor-made and competitive solutions to customers. It spans five domains: material management, helicopter maintenance, technical support, training, and flight operations, and connected services, with experts available on-call 24/7. The HCare material management service starts out with Easy (on-request catalogue services) and Smart (four by-the-hour options), before progressively building up to Infinite (full availability commitments).
