New Zealand orders two H145
Airbus has announced that it will be supplying the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services New Zealand Limited with two H145 aircraft in HEMS configuration – the first to enter New Zealand.
Airbus has announced that it will be supplying the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services New Zealand Limited with two H145 aircraft in HEMS configuration – the first to enter New Zealand.
The New Zealand Health Ministry called for the country’s HEMS industry to improve, and the new helicopters are part of this plan. The two aircraft are due to arrive in the country by the second half of 2019, said Airbus. The helicopter will be positioned on the South Island of New Zealand, operated the consortium formed by Helicopters Otago (Dunedin) and GCH Aviation (Christchurch).
“The Airbus H145 was our natural choice for offering air ambulance services,” explained Graeme Gale of Helicopters Otago. “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.”
Airbus’ Head of Southeast Asia and Pacific Philippe Monteux said that the new deal represents the company’s ongoing commitment to HEMS operations in New Zealand. “As more healthcare providers across Asia Pacific begin devoting resources to developing their HEMS ecosystems in support of critical life-saving missions, I am convinced that the H145 will quickly become the region’s reference for HEMS operations,” Monteux added.