Next Generation 14 Supporting Japan's Skies Join Airbus Helicopters Japan
Airbus Helicopters Japan welcomed 14 new graduate employees for fiscal year 2026, holding an entrance ceremony at the Kobe Airport Business Office. The new team members will contribute to the helicopter business supporting Japan's skies.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 9, 2026 at 19:44
- 🔍 Collected: April 9, 2026 at 11:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 10:21 (263h 21m after Collected)
Airbus Helicopters Japan welcomed 14 new graduate employees for fiscal year 2026 as new members of "Team Airbus." An entrance ceremony was held at the Kobe Airport Business Office on April 1st. On the 3rd, a reception was also held with executives including Eiji Nishikawa, President of Airbus Japan, and Jean-Luc Alphonse, COO and President of Airbus Helicopters Japan.
At the entrance ceremony, all participants flew "paper helicopters" with the determination to support the essential helicopters for Japan's skies. It was a commemorative ceremony marking a new step forward as part of Airbus, a leading foreign-affiliated aerospace company representing Japan.
We were honored to welcome Mr. Yasuo Kawahara, Director General of the Kobe City Port Authority, as a guest. He delivered warm congratulatory remarks to the new employees. Leaders from domestic operations also sent messages conveying their expectations for the important role they will play in leading the future aviation industry.
■ Messages from Leaders
Eiji Nishikawa, President of Airbus Japan Co., Ltd.:
Today, you become members of "Team Airbus." Our history in Japan began 65 years ago with helicopters, and today we operate across all fields – commercial aircraft, space, and defense – as One Airbus.
The Kobe Airport Business Office is the core of our helicopter operations. We deliver helicopters from this location that fulfill essential roles in society. We want you to take great pride in the mission of supporting safe and efficient operations. We expect you to challenge yourselves to forge the future of the skies with fresh perspectives and passion, without being satisfied with the status quo.
Jean-Luc Alphonse, COO & President of Airbus Helicopters Japan Co., Ltd.:
While Airbus is a global company active worldwide, in Japan we have a 65-year history and operate deeply rooted in the region. We do not just manufacture and sell aircraft; we support daily the individuals engaged in missions that protect Japan's skies and lives, such as the Japan Coast Guard, police, and fire departments. As members of Airbus taking on this critical mission, I wholeheartedly welcome you, with your passion and determination.
Our work demands extremely high responsibility and reliability, but you are by no means alone. You have wonderful colleagues here to support your growth. I look forward to embarking on a wonderful and hopeful journey with you, who will bring abundant vitality and new ideas.
New employees flying paper helicopters in unison, with wishes for the future of the skies.
At the entrance ceremony, all participants flew "paper helicopters" with the determination to support the essential helicopters for Japan's skies. It was a commemorative ceremony marking a new step forward as part of Airbus, a leading foreign-affiliated aerospace company representing Japan.
We were honored to welcome Mr. Yasuo Kawahara, Director General of the Kobe City Port Authority, as a guest. He delivered warm congratulatory remarks to the new employees. Leaders from domestic operations also sent messages conveying their expectations for the important role they will play in leading the future aviation industry.
■ Messages from Leaders
Eiji Nishikawa, President of Airbus Japan Co., Ltd.:
Today, you become members of "Team Airbus." Our history in Japan began 65 years ago with helicopters, and today we operate across all fields – commercial aircraft, space, and defense – as One Airbus.
The Kobe Airport Business Office is the core of our helicopter operations. We deliver helicopters from this location that fulfill essential roles in society. We want you to take great pride in the mission of supporting safe and efficient operations. We expect you to challenge yourselves to forge the future of the skies with fresh perspectives and passion, without being satisfied with the status quo.
Jean-Luc Alphonse, COO & President of Airbus Helicopters Japan Co., Ltd.:
While Airbus is a global company active worldwide, in Japan we have a 65-year history and operate deeply rooted in the region. We do not just manufacture and sell aircraft; we support daily the individuals engaged in missions that protect Japan's skies and lives, such as the Japan Coast Guard, police, and fire departments. As members of Airbus taking on this critical mission, I wholeheartedly welcome you, with your passion and determination.
Our work demands extremely high responsibility and reliability, but you are by no means alone. You have wonderful colleagues here to support your growth. I look forward to embarking on a wonderful and hopeful journey with you, who will bring abundant vitality and new ideas.
New employees flying paper helicopters in unison, with wishes for the future of the skies.