Configured for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operations, the helicopters were transported from Zurich, Switzerland, to Christchurch through a meticulously coordinated logistics operation. Once fully commissioned, the aircraft will support emergency medical, accident response, inter-hospital transfer, and search-and-rescue missions across the Canterbury, West Coast, Nelson, and Marlborough regions, where rescue helicopters respond to more than 1,700 missions each year.

The H145 aircraft represent a significant upgrade over the long-serving BK117 fleet. They form part of a standardised H145 fleet operated by GCH Aviation across the upper South Island, offering enhanced reliability, advanced avionics, rescue hoists, specialised stretchers, auto-hover technology, IFR capability, and night vision compatibility. Larger cabins and improved medical layouts will further support patient care and crew safety, particularly during complex winching operations over land and water.

Four H145 helicopters have been purchased, with three now delivered. The first of these helicopters, delivered in August, entered service on 15 December 2025, while the remaining aircraft are expected to become operational progressively through 2026 following reassembly, testing, and commissioning.

B&H Worldwide coordinated the international movement of the aircraft, transporting them by road from REGA – Schweizerische Rettungsflugwacht Rega-Center at Zurich Airport to Frankfurt, before flying via Hong Kong to Auckland. After customs clearance, the helicopters were transported by road to Christchurch, arriving at the GCH Aviation Air Rescue Base on schedule.

Christine Prince, Chief Executive Officer of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, said: “Bringing these helicopters into service has been an enormous undertaking, but our communities deserve a world-class rescue helicopter service. These new aircraft will significantly enhance the care and support we can provide to people in their most critical moments.”

Declan Smiddy, Chief Executive Officer of GCH Aviation, added: “The H145 helicopters represent a major advancement for our operations. Their IFR capability and advanced avionics will allow crews to fly more often, in more challenging conditions, improving both safety and service availability.”

Lee Hedges, Branch Manager of B&H Worldwide New Zealand, commented: “The transportation of emergency response aircraft requires precision, coordination and absolute reliability. We are proud to have supported the Trust and GCH Aviation by delivering these helicopters safely and on time, helping to enable vital life-saving services.”

The helicopter acquisition has been supported by community fundraising, Principal Sponsor Westpac New Zealand, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, ACC, and government contractor HEMS New Zealand, with ongoing fundraising continuing to support commissioning and advanced crew training.