New Zealand-based Salus Aviation has signed a purchase agreement with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) for the acquisition of an H145//BK117 D-3 helicopter. This agreement marks a significant step in the company’s fleet replacement programme.

The agreement was signed in Auckland, where three senior executives from KHI, including 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 programme get underway,” says Edmonds. “It was an honour to have Mr Saito visit our facilities and personally sign the agreement. He oversees all Kawasaki aerospace products, including commercial and defence helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, missile defence systems and aircraft engines.”

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 sector.

“This addition to our lease fleet is the first aircraft in our BK117 fleet upgrade programme,” Edmonds adds. “Our staff is excited to work on this next-generation aircraft.”