Salus Aviation Signs Purchase Agreement With Kawasaki Heavy Industries for H145//BK117 D-3 Helicopter

This post is courtesy of Salus Aviation.

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."

Salus Aviation is an industry-leading helicopter and fixed-wing aviation company, specializing in aircraft sales, leasing, maintenance, component and engine overhaul, blade repair, avionics, design and manufacturing, parts supply, aircraft repainting, and reconfigurations. With operations in New Zealand, the USA, and South Africa, Salus Aviation is positioned as a global leader in the aviation industry. Salus Aviation’s comprehensive range of capabilities, in-house expertise, world-class technology, and certifications distinguish it within the market.