Fresno, California, to acquire new police helicopter

The lease, which will cost approximately US$7 million according to a report by the local San Joaquin Valley Sun newspaper, is with the Banc of America Public Capital Corporation – a subsidiary of the Bank of America.

The new helicopter will be supplied by Airbus, and fitted out with all necessary equipment by San-Diego-based firm Hangar One Avionics.

Payment for the aircraft includes a downpayment of $1.3 million, as well as further annual payments of $600,000.

The aircraft is expected to be delivered to be delivered to the city, and subsequently enter service with the Fresno Police Department, sometime in spring 2025.

The department currently operates a fleet of two EC120 helicopters, the oldest of which was acquired in 2003.

The city of Omaha, Nebraska, also recently approved funding to acquire a third police helicopter.