Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Airbus Helicopters BK117, EC145, and H145 series

Matt Thurber

Airbus Helicopters has secured an order for four H145 helicopters from New Zealand’s Search and Rescue Services (SRSL). The H145s will be added to SRSL’s existing fleet of H145s and BK117s.
Featuring Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite and Fenestron shrouded anti-torque system, the H145 is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines. An Astronautics wACS provides air-to-ground data management. More than 1,740 H145-family helicopters are in service and have logged more than eight million flight hours.
“At Airbus, we are proud to contribute to New Zealand’s lifesaving efforts. Helicopter emergency medical services play a vital role in the country, where rugged terrain and remote communities present unique challenges. The integration of the H145 helicopters into SRSL’s operations highlights our shared vision of harnessing advanced rotorcraft solutions to enhance response capabilities, whilst improving safety standards,” said Christian Venzal, managing director of Airbus Helicopters in Australia and New Zealand.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to equipping our partners with the tools they need to overcome the complexities of their missions and continue their vital work in delivering swift, reliable, efficient, and safe medical care to those in need.”

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In this article

BK117/EC145/H145

Airbus Helicopters

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