GCH Aviation has received the first of four Airbus H145 helicopters in Auckland as part of its investment in strengthening air rescue and emergency medical services across the Canterbury, West-Coast, Nelson and Marlborough regions.

The aircraft was transported from Zurich aboard a Boeing 747 freighter routed through Frankfurt, Hong Kong and Melbourne. B&H Worldwide managed the logistics, coordinating crating, freight forwarding and biosecurity compliance for New Zealand entry.

“The arrival of the H145 represents a significant step forward in our commitment to strengthening air rescue and emergency medical services in New Zealand,” says Declan Smiddy, CEO of GCH Aviation. “The efficiency and expertise of B&H Worldwide ensured the helicopter’s smooth journey from Europe to our facility.”

Lee Hedges, branch manager for New Zealand at B&H Worldwide, comments: “This project demonstrates the capability and agility of B&H Worldwide in handling highly specialised aerospace movements. By managing the complex logistics, we enabled GCH Aviation to focus on the technical aspects of the helicopter’s preparation and reassembly.”

B&H Worldwide group CEO Stuart Allen, who witnessed part of the reassembly process in Auckland, adds: “Deliveries of this scale highlight the strategic role B&H Worldwide plays in supporting the aerospace sector. Being on the ground alongside our partners reflects the importance we place on customer success at every level of our organisation.”

The H145 is the first of four due for delivery from Switzerland in 2025, with additional aircraft and a simulator scheduled later this year.