Latest news with #AirbusH-135
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Province says it will fund training and maintenance for Windsor police helicopter
The province has disclosed some more details about a helicopter the government is buying for Windsor police amid questions from city officials about the aircraft's cost to local taxpayers and stated border security mandate. On May 15, Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government unveiled its 2025 budget, which includes $57 million to purchase two new Airbus H-135 helicopters — one for Niagara regional police, and one for Windsor police. The aircraft are meant to help municipal law enforcement "with increased patrols, security, and enforcement at key entry points at the U.S. border," according to the budget. On Monday, the province told CBC Windsor that it will be covering some of the costs associated with the new equipment. "Our government is ensuring police services have the tools they need to protect our borders and keep our communities safe — This includes supporting the Windsor Police Service with a new H-135 helicopter," wrote Dakota Moniz, director of communications for Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. "In addition to the new helicopter, we will provide funding to the police service to hire and train tactical flight officers, and support the Ontario Provincial Police, who will provide maintenance for the helicopter upon its arrival in 2027," Moniz stated. As Monday evening, Moniz had not responded to follow-up questions regarding how much the province would be providing, and whether those amounts are included in the original $57-million investment. Windsor city councillor Jo-Anne Gignac, who chairs the Windsor Police Services Board, has expressed concerns about the costs associated with operating and maintaining a helicopter. "I think for the people of Windsor to have to assume the cost of operating a helicopter is naturally concerning," Gignac told CBC after the announcement. WATCH: Ontario budget promises new police helicopter for Windsor After a meeting of the Windsor Police Services Board last week, Gignac said the city was still awaiting details from the province about the helicopter. "We still don't have the information that we need to be able to sign an agreement in terms of that tool," Gignac said. "And it is a tool. It's a tool that I appreciate the premier has thought that it might be a positive thing." There have also been questions whether it's the role of a municipal police service to patrol the international border — which is normally a federal responsibility. "It's just getting to the point where downloading of different responsibilities that were never part of our municipal responsibilities are coming left and right," Gignac said. "And so we have to be very careful." Both the Canadian and Ontario governments have implemented new border security measures in response to criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has claimed that fentanyl smuggling from Canada justifies imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods — despite data showing that the vast majority of fentanyl enters the U.S. from Mexico. In an effort to appease Trump, Ottawa announced in December that it would spend $1.3 billion on beefing up border security — which includes having the RCMP patrol the border with leased Black Hawk helicopters. The Windsor detachment of the RCMP declined an interview request on Monday and did not respond to questions about coordinating with the coming Windsor police helicopter patrol. There's some precedent for the province's new police helicopters. Ford's government previously said it was spending $134 million on five helicopters for police in Ottawa and the Toronto area. The latest announcement "builds on" that investment, the budget says, adding that the new aircraft "will help protect Ontario's borders and keep highways and roadways safe from violent carjackings, auto theft, street racing, and impaired driving."
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Aircraft upgrade set for HealthNet Aeromedical Services base at Cabell Huntington Hospital
Apr. 18—HUNTINGTON, — Marshall Health Network and HealthNet Aeromedical Services announce plans for a new medical helicopter based at Cabell Huntington Hospital. The new helicopter will replace the current single-engine Airbus EC-130 with the latest advanced twin-engine Airbus H-135. "Thanks to its twin-engine configuration, advanced technology, and redundancy in critical systems, the new Airbus H-135 will bring a host of enhancements to the Huntington operation," stated Clinton Burley, President and Chief Executive Officer at HealthNet Aeromedical Services. "The dual engines significantly improve the aircraft's performance and operational capabilities. This upgrade underscores our joint commitment to providing the highest standard of care and safety for our patients and the team members who serve them." The Airbus H-135 will also feature a state-of-the-art medical interior designed and manufactured by Aerolite. This specialized interior is tailored to meet the demanding needs of aeromedical services operations, ensuring that medical staff have the tools and working environment necessary to deliver the highest level of critical care during transport. "We are excited about the improvements this new helicopter will bring to our region's emergency medical services delivery system," said Tim Martin, chief operating officer, Marshall Health Network — Cabell Huntington Hospital. "The power, speed and payload of the Airbus H-135 will greatly benefit both our patients and healthcare providers. This substantial upgrade truly reflects the growth and positive change happening within our health system, all to benefit those we care for." Burley, added, "Upgrading to the twin-engine Airbus H-135 is a testament to our systemwide dedication to excellence in operational safety and patient care. We are confident that this aircraft will enhance our team's ability to provide highest level of medical transport services across the Tri-State region and beyond. When the helicopter enters service, our entire statewide fleet will consist solely of twin-engine aircraft." The new Huntington-based Airbus H-135 is currently being built in Germany. Once manufactured, it will come to the United States for installation of its medical interior and application of the iconic HealthNet Aeromedical Services' livery. We anticipate it will arrive and be operational by the end of this calendar year.
