Mission complete: New rescue helicopter fleet delivers biggest patient care leap in 40 years
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Celebrations are under way after the final helicopter in a new rescue fleet entered service, completing a two-year programme to modernise rescue helicopter operations across Canterbury, the West Coast and Nelson Marlborough.
The fourth Airbus H145 Westpac Rescue Helicopter was officially welcomed into service on Wednesday during a blessing at the GCH Aviation Air Rescue Base in Christchurch.
It marks the completion of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust's MISSION 2026 project, launched in 2024, which aimed to improve patient care by replacing the fleet, expanding pilot and crew training, and investing in new medical and aviation technology.
The trust has purchased four H145 helicopters, three serving Canterbury and the West Coast and one supporting Nelson Marlborough. It has also invested $2.7 million in what it describes as a world-first Entrol cockpit and winch simulator, alongside specialist crew training and upgraded medical equipment.
Chief executive Anton Drazevic said completing the project in two years was a significant achievement.
“Our team dared to dream big, and with the unwavering support of our community, the bold venture has become a milestone that will shape and protect the future of rescue helicopter services in our region.”
Critical care paramedic Adrian Hurst said the changes represented the biggest improvement in patient care during the service’s 40-year history.
It was mde possible thanks to community support, he said.
“Our crews can't thank you enough.”
The H145 helicopters can be used in poorer weather conditions, and over the past two years, the trust has expanded routes and worked with communities to develop more helipads.
Training manager Brent Fredericksen said the combination of new aircraft and upgraded infrastructure would improve emergency response.
“We can now fly in more adverse weather, in a machine built for rescue missions. Advanced avionics and life-saving medical technology allows us to respond faster, more safely, and more effectively than ever before.”
The helicopters were sourced from Swiss operator Rega Air Rescue after the trust and GCH Aviation sought an alternative to waiting more than three years for new aircraft.
The first H145 entered service on the West Coast in December, with two more commissioned in May. The final helicopter will remain based in Christchurch.