Salus Aviation is pleased to announce the signing of a purchase agreement with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) for the acquisition of a H145//BK117 D-3 Helicopter. This agreement marks a significant step in Salus Aviation's fleet replacement program.

The agreement was signed in Auckland, where three senior executives from KHI, including Mr. Toshihiko Saito, Senior General Manager for Kawasaki Aerospace Products globally, joined Salus Aviation CEO Greg Edmonds. "It was a great occasion to sign the agreement with Mr. Saito and to see our fleet replacement program get underway," said Edmonds. "It was an honour to have Mr. Saito, who oversees all Kawasaki Aerospace products, including commercial and defence helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, missile defence systems, and aircraft engines visit our facilities and personally sign the agreement."

The H145//BK117 D-3 is currently being manufactured at Kawasaki's facility in Gifu, Japan, with an expected delivery date of early 2026. This next-generation aircraft, equipped with a rescue hoist, will be available for lease shortly after its arrival in New Zealand. Salus Aviation has a strong history of leasing and maintaining helicopters worldwide, particularly within the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) sector.

"This addition to our lease fleet is the first aircraft in our BK117 fleet upgrade program," Edmonds added. "Our staff is excited to work on this next-generation aircraft."