Replacement Selected, Now Funds Need Approval

The City of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, knows its police department is in need of a new helicopter to replace its aging Airbus H120 and in fact, a replacement has already been chosen and city council has been asked to consider a lease-to-own agreement for a new H125.

The H120 is 14 years old and will be due for a scheduled overhaul of major components in 2027, and a report by city officials see the H125 as an upgrade in capability and long-term reliability. The new helo would be acquired from Eagle Copter in Calgary, Alberta, for a lease-to-own deal that would cost C$13.5 million over 15 years, with monthly payments of C$75,000.

In the report, officials also said, “Since the current Airbus H120 helicopter is no longer in production, it is expected that wait times and costs for replacement parts will continue to rise. This means the FOU [Flight Operations Unit] will be at increased risk of having to ground the helicopter for prolonged periods while awaiting the necessary parts to perform maintenance and repairs.”

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham said, ”There is value in ensuring that our Winnipeg police service has the tools necessary to do the work that they’re doing to try to keep our city safe, and I think it’s been shown time and again, the police have been clear on that.”

The officials also said in their report, “The worldwide adoption of the H125 also translates to more readily available replacement parts throughout its projected lifespan. Additionally, the imaging system acquired by the WPS [Winnipeg Police Service] in 2023 is compatible with the Airbus H125, reducing further capital outlay requirements.”

The costs associated with the proposed H125 lease are included in the police service’s 2025-2026 budget, which is pending adoption by city council. The mayor’s Executive Policy Committee was scheduled to review the proposal on January 21.

FMI:  www.winnipeg.ca/