Northern Rescue Helicopter acquires new AW169
The New Zealand-based air ambulance service purchased the aircraft from the USA with the help of helicopter distributor Rotortrade
Northern Rescue Helicopter, which provides helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) to New Zealand’s North Island, will use the new rotorcraft to modernize its fleet.
The service aims to move towards a fleet of five AW169 helicopters by 2025, with the goal of improving the capacity and resilience of its operations.
The new helicopter is currently in the USA, where it is being painted. It is due to arrive in New Zealand in early 2025, where it will begin operations after receiving the necessary certifications.
The aircraft also received critical maintenance and avionics upgrades from Leonardo Helicopters US earlier this year as part of the process.
The transaction was overseen by Rotortrade’s Asia-Pacific (APAC) team, in collaboration with the company’s North America region. It was also facilitated with the support of the New Zealand government agencies Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora, and the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
“We are excited to continue upgrading our fleet with the addition of another AW169,” said Ian MacPherson, CEO of Northern Rescue Helicopter, adding his desire to thank Rotortrade, Health New Zealand, and the ACC for their support.
Entrol announced its development of a new AW169 simulator earlier this month.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector!