The aircraft, which will operate out of the Saskatoon base in Saskatchewan, is the third of nine H145s to be delivered to STARS and marks the operator’s decision to move from two aircraft types to one following independent assessments of the sustainability of its fleet.

In 2018, STARS launched an ambitious multi-year plan to replace its ageing fleet of helicopters, including the BK117. It selected the Airbus H145 for its state-of-the-art technology, advanced safety features and the similarities it shared with its predecessor, the BK117.

“We are proud to deliver this third H145 to STARS in support of their extremely important life-saving missions,” said Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters Canada. “The H145 family of aircraft provides a proven and flexible platform for even the most specialised emergency medical services work, and we look forward to continuing to support STARS’ operations with the additional H145s on their way.”

The new H145 helicopters will operate out of six bases across Western Canada, providing critical air medical services and timely hospital transfers to patients in need.

STARS President and CEO Andrea Robertson said: “This third delivery brings us one step closer to making our fleet renewal programme a reality. The new helicopters are an investment in our ability to serve the people of Western Canada for decades to come, and we can’t wait to put this H145 into service in Saskatchewan.”