Officials with STARS air ambulance are planning to replace the current fleet of helicopters with new aircraft.
The aircraft that has been chosen to lead the organization into the future is the Airbus H-145.
It is hoped the first one can be delivered next year, with the rest being phased in over five-years.
STARS Aviation bas manager in Saskatoon, Barry Tolmie says the new helicopters will be an improvement, but will not replace the medevac planes currently being used in the north.
“With the distances that are involved in northern Saskatchewan, fixed wing aircraft are the fastest resource to get anywhere up north.” he said.
Tolmie says the helicopter is not the ideal kind of aircraft to go and pick someone up in the north, but if needed they can be used to make the trip.
The new helicopters are a technologically advanced model with an updated version of the medical interior found in STARS’ existing aircraft and cost about $13 million each.
As a non-profit, charitable organization, STARS will embark on a campaign to seek support from the community and government partners to help purchase the new fleet.
The current helicopters will also be sold after the new fleet is in place to help offset the cost of the new aircraft.
(photo courtesy STARS)