Delivered over the past several months, the pre-owned aircraft are now supporting SRSL’s expanding nationwide operations, providing additional capacity for emergency medical transport and critical care missions across both urban centres and remote regions of New Zealand. The H145D3 has become one of the most widely used twin-engine helicopters in the air ambulance sector worldwide, valued for its high availability, advanced avionics, compact footprint, and operational versatility.
The fleet expansion forms part of a broader effort by SRSL and its partners — including Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, ACC New Zealand, and regional rescue helicopter trusts — to modernise the country’s aeromedical network and improve rapid access to emergency healthcare services.
Alongside the aircraft acquisitions, SRSL has continued investing in operational infrastructure and crew development. A key recent milestone was the installation of a new H145 FNPT II MCC simulator at the organisation’s Taupō training centre, enhancing pilot and crew training capability while supporting long-term operational growth.
Paul Baxter, CEO of SRSL, said the additional helicopters will play an important role in supporting lifesaving operations throughout the country. “These aircraft significantly strengthen our operational capability and our ability to deliver advanced emergency medical services to communities across New Zealand,” Baxter said. “Rotortrade has been a highly supportive and responsive partner throughout the acquisition and delivery process, helping ensure a smooth transition as the aircraft entered service within our fleet.”
Rotortrade executives highlighted the close cooperation established between the two organisations during the project and praised SRSL’s long-term commitment to operational excellence and crew development.
Marcello Corrado Salati, Regional Sales Director at Rotortrade, said the partnership reflected a shared focus on mission-critical aviation services. “It has been a privilege to work alongside SRSL during these deliveries,” he said. “Their professionalism, transparency, and commitment to serving communities across New Zealand have been exceptional. We are proud to contribute to an organisation whose work extends far beyond aviation and directly impacts people’s lives every day.”
Aurélien Blanc, Executive Director and Vice President APAC/MEA at Rotortrade, added that SRSL’s continued investment in both fleet capability and advanced training infrastructure demonstrates a clear long-term strategy for sustainable growth.
Rotortrade and SRSL also acknowledged Airbus Helicopters for its continued cooperation and technical support throughout the delivery process, helping ensure the successful integration of the aircraft into service.
Through the transaction, Rotortrade continues to reinforce its position as a supplier of helicopter solutions for emergency medical, rescue, and public service operators worldwide, supporting organisations operating in demanding mission environments with aircraft expertise, fleet support, and global market access.
Marcello Corrado Salati, Regional Sales Director at Rotortrade. Centre: Paul Baxter, CEO of SRSL. Right: Aurélien Blanc, Executive Director and Vice President APAC/MEA at Rotortrade
Search and Rescue Services Ltd (SRSL)
Search and Rescue Services Ltd (SRSL) operates as the primary provider of emergency aeromedical and helicopter rescue services across the central and lower North Island of New Zealand. Structured as a charitable holding company, SRSL manages the necessary Air Operator Certificates while its subsidiary, SRSL Assets Limited, owns and maintains the aviation fleet.
Headquartered in Taupō, the organization coordinates critical operations across eight vital regional bases, including Gisborne, Tauranga, New Plymouth, and Hawke’s Bay.SRSL works closely with regional community trusts to bridge the gap between emergency funding and local requirements.
Its missions are funded through a combined model of central government service agreements via Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) and ACC New Zealand alongside community donations. To ensure rapid response times in highly demanding, isolated terrains, SRSL deploys intensive care paramedics, rescue crewmen, and specialized pilots on a 24/7 basis.
Airbus H145D3 Helicopter
The Airbus H145D3 serves as the modern benchmark for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) globally, explicitly designed to handle time-critical patient transport and complex search and rescue missions. Driven by two powerful Safran Arriel 2E engines, the aircraft delivers exceptional high-altitude and hot-environment hover performance, making it highly effective for New Zealand's mountainous terrain.
SRSL accelerated its fleet modernization program by ordering these advanced units, utilizing global helicopter dealership Rotortrade to successfully complete the delivery of three pre-owned H145D3 models to expand its emergency capabilities.A core feature of the H145D3 is its innovative, bearingless five-blade main rotor system. This design drastically minimizes cabin vibrations, creating a smoother flight environment that lowers crew fatigue and allows paramedics to perform delicate medical procedures more efficiently.
Furthermore, the aircraft is equipped with the Airbus Helionix avionics suite and a shrouded Fenestron tail rotor. These technologies integrate advanced flight envelope protections, maximize tail rotor ground safety during tight helipad landings, and offer pilots unmatched situational awareness during adverse weather conditions.
See also |
H145D3 in
New Zealand Rescue Helicopters 
Air Medical Ambulance Services H145D3 in
Rotortrade Services CAARL & SRSL New Zealand Rescue Helicopters 
