New Zealand Search and Rescue Services order four Airbus H145 helicopters for emergency medical services

Geelong, Australia, 25 March 2025 – New Zealand’s Search and Rescue Services (SRSL) has placed an order for four Airbus H145 helicopters to bolster its emergency medical services (EMS) operations. 

These state-of-the-art helicopters will join SRSL’s existing fleet of H145 and BK117 aircraft, further enhancing its ability to serve communities across the country.

“At Airbus, we are proud to contribute to New Zealand’s lifesaving efforts. Helicopter Emergency Medical Services play a vital role in the country, where rugged terrain and remote communities present unique challenges. The integration of the H145 helicopters into SRSL’s operations highlights our shared vision of harnessing advanced rotorcraft solutions to enhance response capabilities, whilst improving safety standards,” said Christian Venzal, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Australia and New Zealand.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to equipping our partners with the tools they need to overcome the complexities of their missions and continue their vital work in delivering swift, reliable, efficient and safe medical care to those in need,” added Venzal.  

The H145, renowned for its reliability, versatility, and advanced technology, is a market leader in HEMS missions. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and equipped with a spacious cabin, cutting-edge Helionix avionics suite, the H145 is perfectly suited for the challenging terrains and time-critical missions that define Australasia’s EMS landscape. The helicopter’s CO2 emissions are also the lowest amongst its competitors.

The H145 helicopter incorporates the latest technologies including the advanced cockpit design with the most modern human machine interface (HMI), state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite and a Fenestron anti-torque device as the tail rotor. Airbus’ Helionix avionics – connected to the wACS, provides undisputed superiority for in-flight envelope protection, pilot assistance and time savings for data transfer which, along with situational awareness, provides unprecedented levels of flight safety. Meeting the latest international avionics standards, Helionix integrates an innovative alerting and self-monitoring system.

There are around 1,740 H145 family helicopters in service around the world, logging over eight million flight hours. In total, there are close to 600 H145 family helicopters deployed for HEMS missions worldwide.

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