Salus Aviation has announced a purchase agreement with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) for a H145//BK117 D-3 Helicopter to progress its fleet replacement programme.
The agreement was signed by Toshihiko Saito, Senior General Manager for Kawasaki Aerospace Products globally, and two other KHI senior executives, and Greg Edmonds, Salus Aviation CEO, in Auckland.
“It was a great occasion to sign the agreement with Mr Saito and to see our fleet replacement programme 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 aircraft is being manufactured at Kawasaki’s facility in Gifu, Japan, and is expected to be delivered in early 2026. It is equipped with a rescue hoist and will be available for lease after its arrival in New Zealand. 
Edmonds added: “This addition to our lease fleet is the first aircraft in our BK117 fleet upgrade programme. Our staff is excited to work on this next-generation aircraft.”
Salus Aviation has a history of leasing and maintaining helicopters for the HEMS sector and operates in New Zealand, the USA, and South Africa.
Photos: Salus Aviation
