New Zealand-based Northern Rescue Helicopter will take delivery in the coming months of two Leonardo AW169 light intermediate helicopters leased from Milestone Aviation Group. The emergency medical services (EMS) operator plans to base the helicopters in northern New Zealand.

The AW169’s reconfigurable cabins will be equipped with medical equipment and carry clinical teams for patient care flights, according to Milestone Aviation.

“Leasing the two aircraft from Milestone marks a significant step towards updating and standardizing the fleet of EMS/SAR aircraft across Auckland and Northland, ensuring that our communities continue to receive the highest level of care and service possible,” said Northern Rescue CEO Ian MacPherson. “We are grateful that Milestone has identified the opportunity to enhance the New Zealand EMS sector, and we look forward to working closely with them into the future.”

Northern Rescue is a new customer for Milestone Aviation, according to the leasing company’s chief commercial officer, Sébastien Moulin, who added that the AW169s are its first placement in New Zealand. “The AW169 is well suited to support Northern Rescue’s fleet-renewal program as it is configured to place patient needs at the heart of its design.”