Fort Erie, 23 November 2020 – The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) announced today that AIR-2, its new Airbus H125 helicopter, will enter into service later this month. AIR-2 is the second Airbus H125 to enter into EPS’s fleet. The aircraft joins AIR-1, EPS’ first H125 delivered by Airbus Helicopters Canada in 2017 as part of a fleet renewal project to enhance operational capabilities.
With state-of-the-art H125 helicopters EPS’s Flight Operations Unit, will have the latest technologies required to provide safe, rapid and effective airborne support to the ground based units that they serve. The H125 is well-suited for multi-role law enforcement missions including surveillance, command and control, search and pursuit, search and rescue, special operations, escort and more.
“AIR-1 and AIR-2, our two helicopters, play an integral role in ensuring citizen and officer safety,” says S/Sgt Paul Shafer, with the EPS Canine and Flight Operations Section. “They allow us to monitor fleeing vehicles from a safe distance, locate missing persons, find suspects who may be trying to evade police, and assist officers on the ground with scene surveillance.”
The H125 offers excellent visibility and allows law enforcement operators to spend more time in the air. The H125 with its power, performance and multi-mission capabilities combined with low operating cost make it the most widely used aircraft in public service.
“At Airbus, we are committed to supporting our customers carrying out essential missions saving lives and protecting communities,” said Dwayne Charette, President and COO of Airbus Helicopters Canada. “Edmonton Police Service has proven to be an invaluable resource for its citizens, and we sincerely thank you not only for the critical work you do day and night, but for continuing to place your trust in Airbus.”
Airbus is the preferred helicopter provider for the airborne law enforcement mission in Canada, accounting for 100% of the helicopters delivered in country for that mission over the past 15 years. Airbus supplies helicopters to the majority of law enforcement agencies operating airborne units in Canada, including Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Calgary Police Service, York Regional Police, and Winnipeg Police Services. Today, Airbus helicopters make up 86% of Canada’s airborne law enforcement in-service fleet.
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About Airbus
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2019, it generated revenues of €70 billion and employed a workforce of around 135,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.
Media contacts
Sonja Woods sonja.woods@airbus.com +1 613 552 2803
Laurence Petiard laurence.petiard@airbus.com +33 (0)6 85 25 53 12
