25 November 2020: Canada’s Edmonton Police Service has announced the entry of second state-of-art Airbus H125 helicopter into their service. The first AIR-1 was delivered by Airbus Helicopter Canada in 2017 as a part of fleet renewal project to enhance operational capabilities. The H125 is embedded with latest technologies required to provide safe, rapid and effective airborne support to the ground based units that they serve. It 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,” said 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 per cent of the helicopters delivered in country for that mission over the past 15 years. Today, Airbus helicopters make up 86 per cent of Canada’s airborne law enforcement in-service fleet.
