Helicopters H145 to be part of New Zealand’s HEMS industry

  • Airbus

New Zealand’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Services New Zealand Limited has selected Airbus’ H145 to enhance the country’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) industry. The two helicopters ordered will be delivered in the second half of 2019.

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The purchase is a response to the New Zealand Health Ministry’s call to enhance its helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) industry. The two Airbus helicopters will be the first HEMS-configured H145s to be delivered to New Zealand.

The operational base for the aircraft will be on the South Island with the main operators being Helicopters Otago (Dunedin) and GCH Aviation (Christchurch). The H145s are to become the flagship of the already existing fleets of BW117 and EC145.

In speaking of the new aircraft, Graeme Gale of Helicopters Otago said, “The Airbus H145 was our natural choice for offering air ambulance services. Airbus’ industry-leading safety features, reliability, and importantly, excellent internal space and rear clam shell doors, makes the H145 the perfect air ambulance, suited for any weather condition.”

Philippe Monteux, Head of Southeast Asia and Pacific of Airbus Helicopters, is proud of the company’s supporting role as aeromedical provider for New Zealand. With the aircraft manufacturer’s strong history in the country – Airbus proudly states an important part in connecting Kiwis across the country for more than 30 years – the announcement signals an “on-going commitment in providing New Zealand with the most modern, safe and best-equipped air ambulance as it strengthens its HEMS services,” Monetux stated. He is confident that the H145s will be well received in New Zealand. “I am convinced that the H145 will quickly become the region’s reference for HEMS operations,” Monteux added.

The H145 is the market leader for emergency medical services and rescue missions, thanks to its exceptional HEMS heritage and safety record with its BK117 and EC145 predecessors. Its popularity is attributed to its high performance and spacious cabin, agility and ability to quickly convert from an air ambulance to other roles such as disaster relief or mountain rescue. The 4-tonne-class twin engine H145 is equipped with state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite and 4-axis autopilot system, which helps to reduce pilot workload during missions.

With a global fleet of more than 1,400 helicopters of the H145 family, the fleet has accumulated more than five million flight hours. In New Zealand alone, there are currently 41 H145 family of helicopters deployed for aeromedical, search-and-rescue, utility and business aviation purposes.

Source © airbus.com

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