B&H Worldwide supports delivery of H145 rescue helicopters to New Zealand
The arrival of next-generation H145 helicopters strengthens air rescue capability across the upper South Island, enhancing safety, reliability, and patient care
Two Airbus H145 rescue helicopters have arrived in New Zealand, marking a major milestone in the fleet renewal program for the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust and operator GCH Aviation, with global aerospace logistics specialist B&H Worldwide managing the complex international transportation.
Configured for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operations, the helicopters were transported from Zurich, Switzerland, to Christchurch following a carefully coordinated logistics program. Once fully commissioned, they will support emergency medical response, accident rescue, interhospital transfers, and search and rescue (SAR) missions across the Canterbury, West Coast, Nelson and Marlborough regions, where rescue helicopters respond to more than 1,700 missions annually.
The arrival of the H145s represents a significant upgrade in capability and reliability, replacing the long-serving BK117 fleet and contributing to a standardized H145 operation across the upper South Island. The aircraft are equipped for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations and night vision compatibility, and feature advanced avionics, rescue hoists, specialized stretchers, and auto-hover technology for complex winching operations, including over water. Larger cabins and enhanced medical layouts further improve patient care and crew safety.
Four H145 helicopters have been purchased, with three now delivered. The first aircraft, delivered in August, entered service on 15 December, while the remaining helicopters are expected to become operational progressively throughout 2026 following reassembly, testing, and commissioning.
The helicopter acquisition has been supported through community fundraising, Westpac New Zealand, Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora, ACC, and HEMS New Zealand, with ongoing fundraising continuing to support commissioning and advanced crew training.
Airbus and Skytrac recently launched a real-time Helionix data solution for H135, H145, H160, and H175 aircraft.
Chloe Fox
Chloe Fox is an Senior Editorial Assistant for Voyageur Group, joining in 2024. She writes for AirMed&Rescue and ITIJ, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision, and air medical transportation. Chloe holds a BA (Hons) in English and an MA in English Literature from the University of Bristol.