STARS completes helicopter fleet renewal

The aircraft was unveiled at an event at the base on 21 June, attended by STARS personnel, local and provincial government representatives, community partners and former patients, and will begin regular operations this summer.

STARS President and CEO Andrea Robertson commented: “With Edmonton being our last base to implement the H145, today is also about celebrating the fact that our ambitious fleet renewal program is now a reality.”

The H145 is equipped with two Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2E engines and has a cruise speed of 241km/h with a range of 650km, a maximum take-off weight of 3,800kg and a useful load of 1,905kg. The helicopter also offers improved safety features and an updated medical interior compared with the aircraft it replaces.

The unveiling ends STARS’ multi-year fleet renewal

It was funded through STARS’ multi-year fleet renewal capital campaign, which launched in 2018 with the aim of replacing the provider’s ageing helicopter fleet across all six of its bases, and follows the unveiling of another H145 to STARS’ Grand Prairie base in May 2022.

The fleet renewal will reduce operating costs, reducing the previous mixed fleet of BK-117 and AW139 aircraft operated by STARS to one type, as well as shrinking maintenance costs.

“Our supporters ride along with us on every mission, and now they have helped us build the next STARS fleet,” said Robertson. “These new aircraft are an investment in our ability to serve the people of Alberta and Western Canada for generations, and we’re incredibly grateful to the community for helping us reach our goal.”