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.

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Matt Thurber

Rotortrade has sold a preowned Leonardo AW169 to New Zealand’s Northern Rescue Helicopter. Delivery will take place next year and bring the EMS provider’s fleet to five AW169s.
Philadelphia-based Leonardo Helicopters U.S. is supporting the transaction with maintenance and avionics upgrades on the AW169 to support EMS operations. The helicopter is also getting painted before it is shipped to New Zealand’s North Island, where Northern Rescue is based.
New Zealand government agencies Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora and the Accident Compensation Corp. helped facilitate the AW169 purchase, according to Rotortrade.
“We are excited to continue upgrading our fleet with the addition of another AW169,” said Northern Rescue Helicopter CEO Ian MacPherson. “Rotortrade has been a reliable and flexible partner throughout this process. Their supportive approach and dedication to delivering the right aircraft for our needs have been invaluable, allowing us to strengthen our operations with confidence and meet the growing demand for emergency medical and injury-related services in New Zealand.”

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Northern Rescue Growing Fleet to Five Leonardo AW169 Helicopters

Shipment to New Zealand will take place next year after paint and upgrades

Leonardo Helicopters US is supporting the transaction with maintenance and avionics upgrades on the AW169 to support EMS operations.

Northern Rescue Growing Fleet to Five AW169 Helicopters

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