HELICOPTER EMERGENCY Services New Zealand Limited has ordered two H145s for use in the helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) role.
Airbus Helicopters announced the order in Auckland on November 13, 2018, and the cabs are due to be delivered in the second half of 2019 for HEMS services on New Zealand’s South Island.
They will be operated by a consortium formed by Dunedin-based Helicopters Otago and GCH Helicopters in Christchurch and will complement existing Bk117 and EC145 helicopters in service.
Helicopters Otago’s Graeme Gale said: “The Airbus H145 was our natural choice for ofering air ambulance services. Airbus’ industry-leading safety features, reliability, excellent space and rear clamshell doors, make the H145 the perfect air ambulance, suited for any weather conditions.”
The order was placed in response to a call by New Zealand’s Ministry of Health to enhance its helicopter emergency medical services industry.
