Salus Aviation signs purchase agreement for an H145/BK117 D-3 helicopter

Salus Aviation has announced the signing of a purchase agreement with Kawasaki Heavy Industries for the acquisition of an H145/BK117 D-3 helicopter, marking a significant step in Salus Aviation’s fleet replacement program.

The agreement was signed in Auckland, where three senior executives from Kawasaki Heavy Industries, including Toshihiko Saito, Global Senior General Manager for Kawasaki Aerospace Products, joined Greg Edmonds, the CEO of Salus Aviation. “It was a great occasion to sign the agreement with Mr Saito and to see our fleet replacement program get underway,” said Edmonds. “It was an honor to have Mr Saito, who oversees all Kawasaki Aerospace products, including commercial and defense helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, missile defense systems, and aircraft engines visit our facilities and personally sign the agreement.”

Edmonds continued: “The H145/BK117 D-3 is currently being manufactured at Kawasaki’s facility in Gifu, Japan, with an expected delivery date of early 2026. This next-generation aircraft, equipped with a rescue hoist, will be available for lease shortly after its arrival in New Zealand. Salus Aviation has a strong history of leasing and maintaining helicopters worldwide, particularly within the helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) sector.

“This addition to our lease fleet is the first aircraft in our BK117 fleet upgrade program,” Edmonds added. “Our staff is excited to work on this next-generation aircraft.”

South Australia Police has also acquired an Airbus H145 for operations recently as part of its upgrades and replacement process.