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COUNTRY PROFILE: JAPAN
The testing comes in light of the proposed amendment to the country’s
constitution, seeking to remove the war-renouncing article, which reads:
“the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the
nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international
disputes.” The article would be replaced with one that calls for increased
military support.
Historically, general aviation has played a significant role in Japan.
Government entities, including Prefectural Police Departments, Fire
Departments, and the Japan Coast Guard utilize aircraft. Of the 765
helicopters within the Japan fleet, 76% are used in multi-mission, EMS,
law enforcement, and search and rescue (SAR) missions. Of the 53
business jets within Japan, 46 are owned by government entities, with
the remaining amount privately-owned.
For general aviation, a change to the constitution could have a
tremendous effect on the industry. An increased military presence, will
likely bring a sudden need for pilots. This coming at a time when Asia
faces a dire shortage of pilots and Japan, specifically, faces the added
challenge of a shrinking population.
Voting on the constitutional changes will require a two-thirds majority
in both houses of parliament, as well as a majority of votes in a public
referendum. Should Abe’s proposal go through, this will be the first
amendment to the constitution since its adoption after Japan’s defeat
in World War II.
ROTARY MARKET
With the third largest helicopter fleet in the region, the archipelago of
Japan has proven to have a more developed helicopter market than
the business jet segment. The 765 helicopters are used most often for
prefectural authorities including Prefectural Police Departments, the
Japan Coast Guard, and the National Police Agency.
“Civil and para public helicopter markets are well matured, so the
number of registration in JCAB has remained stable for the last decade,”
says Japan Helicopter Society’s Toshiro Tamaki.
Helicopter Fleet — Size Category Breakdown
Piston 147 (19%)
Single 156 (20%)
3+37+21+20+19+G
Helicopter Fleet — OEM Breakdown
MD 15 (2%)
Sikorsky 30 (4%)
Leonardo 88 (12%)
Bell Helicopter
129 (17%)
Robinson 148 (19%)
765
45+19+17+12+4+2+1+G
765
Heavy 23 (3%)
Medium 281 (37%)
Light Twin 158 (21%)
Others 10 (1%)
Airbus Helicopters
345 (45%)
Photo: japan-guide
THIRD QUARTER 2016 — ASIAN SKY QUARTERLY | 17