New STARS helicopter lands in Saskatoon

The renewal of the STARS helicopter fleet in Saskatchewan took the next step Wednesday in Saskatoon.

The air ambulance service took delivery of its first new Airbus H145 helicopter, which is to be based in Saskatoon.

“It’s an investment in the future of Saskatchewan,” STARS president and CEO Andrea Robertson said at the unveiling.

“Our last helicopter (lasted) 35 years. We’re hoping this will last that and more. This is us saying we’re here (and) we’re investing in the people of Saskatchewan so that you can count on us in the future.”

In June 2018, STARS revealed a multi-year plan to replace its fleet of BK117 and AW139 helicopters with nine new Airbus H145s across Western Canada. Each of the new helicopters costs $13 million.

Premier Scott Moe, whose government pledged in December to buy one of the helicopters, was one of those on hand for Wednesday’s announcement. Moe arrived on the new aircraft following a stop at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

The new aircraft will be in flight after pilots complete their 30 days of classroom flight training on their simulators.

Robertson said the new H145 helicopters compare in range and speed to their BK117 and AW139 helicopters. The new fleet will have updated avionics and are more advanced than the previous fleet.

“Medicine changes a lot. Over time, we’re (not going to have to update the helicopter); we just simply update the equipment in the back. What this does for us is allows us huge flexibility,” she said.

The unit delivered Wednesday was the third of the nine new helicopters to be presented to a STARS facility in Western Canada.

Here’s another look at the new H145. I was told usually, there is less seating in there.. but they made an exception today. pic.twitter.com/h51WohM3AV

— brady lang (@BradyLangSK) September 25, 2019