B&H Worldwide Delivers New Life-Saving Rescue Helicopters to New Zealand

A Milestone in Emergency Aviation and Fleet Renewal

The successful arrival of two new Airbus H145 rescue helicopters in New Zealand marks a major milestone in the ongoing fleet renewal programme of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust and helicopter operator GCH Aviation. The complex international transportation of the aircraft was managed by B&H Worldwide, a global specialist in aerospace logistics. The project highlights the essential role that integrated air cargo and aerospace logistics services play in supporting emergency aviation operations and strengthening life-saving infrastructure.

Supporting Critical Emergency Services Across the South Island

Once fully commissioned and placed into service, the helicopters will significantly enhance emergency response capabilities across the Canterbury, West Coast, Nelson, and Marlborough regions. These areas rely heavily on helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) to reach remote communities and difficult terrain. Rescue helicopters in these regions respond to more than 1,700 missions every year, including accident response, emergency medical evacuation, inter-hospital transfers, and search-and-rescue operations. The new aircraft will help ensure that these missions can be carried out with greater reliability, speed, and operational flexibility.

A Carefully Coordinated Global Logistics Operation

Transporting mission-critical aircraft across continents requires meticulous planning and flawless execution. The two Airbus H145 helicopters began their journey in Zurich, Switzerland, at the REGA Center at Zurich Airport. From there, B&H Worldwide coordinated a road–air–road logistics chain that moved the helicopters by truck to Frankfurt, where they were loaded for long-haul airfreight. The intercontinental flight route took the aircraft through Hong Kong and onward to Auckland before they were cleared through customs. Following arrival in New Zealand, the helicopters were again transported by road to Christchurch, where final delivery to the GCH Aviation Air Rescue Base was completed on schedule.

The Role of Specialised Aerospace Logistics

This operation underscores the importance of specialised aerospace logistics providers in managing sensitive, high-value, and technically complex cargo. Helicopters must be handled under strict safety, regulatory, and quality requirements, often involving disassembly, custom crating, and detailed documentation. B&H Worldwide oversaw every stage of the process, ensuring regulatory compliance, schedule integrity, and cargo protection. The successful outcome reflects how tailored air cargo solutions can enable the safe and timely delivery of aircraft that directly support front-line emergency services.

A Significant Upgrade in Capability and Technology

The Airbus H145 helicopters represent a major leap forward in operational capability. They will replace the long-serving BK117 fleet and become part of a standardised H145 fleet operated by GCH Aviation across the upper South Island. The new aircraft are equipped for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations, allowing crews to fly in more challenging weather and visibility conditions. Night vision compatibility further expands operational windows, while advanced avionics improve situational awareness, navigation accuracy, and overall flight safety.

Designed for Complex Rescue and Medical Missions

Beyond flight performance, the helicopters are configured specifically for demanding rescue and medical environments. They feature rescue hoists, specialised stretchers, and auto-hover technology that supports complex winching operations, including rescues conducted over water or rugged terrain. Larger cabins and enhanced medical layouts improve patient access and in-flight care, while improved flight stability supports both crew safety and medical effectiveness. Together, these features allow crews to deliver faster, more advanced care during the most critical moments.

Phased Delivery and Commissioning Through 2026

The wider fleet renewal programme includes four Airbus H145 helicopters, three of which have now been delivered. The first aircraft, which arrived in August, entered operational service on 15 December 2025. The remaining helicopters will become operational progressively throughout 2026, following reassembly, ground and flight testing, and full commissioning. This phased introduction ensures that each aircraft meets strict safety and performance standards before joining active emergency service.

Industry Leaders Highlight the Project’s Impact

Christine Prince, Chief Executive Officer of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, emphasised the importance of the project, noting that bringing the new helicopters into service has been a significant undertaking. She highlighted that the communities served by the Trust deserve a world-class rescue helicopter operation and that the new aircraft will substantially enhance the care and support available to people during life-threatening emergencies.

Operational Advancements for GCH Aviation

Declan Smiddy, Chief Executive Officer of GCH Aviation, described the H145 helicopters as a major advancement for operational capability. He pointed to the IFR functionality and advanced avionics as transformative features that will allow crews to fly more often, in more demanding conditions. This expanded capability improves both the availability of rescue services and the overall safety of flight operations, directly benefiting patients, medical teams, and pilots alike.

Logistics Expertise Enabling Life-Saving Outcomes

Lee Hedges, Branch Manager of B&H Worldwide New Zealand, highlighted the precision required to transport emergency response aircraft across the globe. He noted that such missions demand coordination, technical expertise, and absolute reliability. By delivering the helicopters safely and on time, B&H Worldwide has helped enable vital life-saving services and supported the long-term resilience of New Zealand’s emergency aviation network.

Community and Institutional Support Behind the Programme

The helicopter acquisition has been made possible through a combination of community fundraising and institutional support. Principal sponsor Westpac New Zealand, along with Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, ACC, and government contractor HEMS New Zealand, have all contributed to the programme. Ongoing fundraising efforts continue to support final commissioning activities and advanced crew training, ensuring that the new helicopters achieve their full potential in serving communities across the South Island.