News release
17 March 2015
Christchurch company sends two helicopters to Vanuatu
Garden City Helicopters is set to send two specially equipped helicopters from Christchurch to Vanuatu to help with
disaster relief efforts, medical evacuations and to help restore communications in the country.
The Christchurch based company, which operates the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in Christchurch, also owns Vanuatu
Helicopters. Its existing R66 helicopter based in Port Vila has been busy assisting government and aid agencies with
relief since Cyclone Pam hit. The company also has an R44 helicopter in the country.
Group Marketing Manager Alison Fleming says the company has today been given special CAA clearance to send the
helicopters on the 14-hour journey.
We are well equipped to take on an operation of this scale and have had plenty of operational experience, including
being on the spot for the 2011 earthquake disaster and relief efforts, she says.
The call for help has come from the NDMO (National Disaster Management Office) to assist military teams from New Zealand
and Australia who are already distributing aid.
Taking these machines all the way to Vanuatu requires a tremendous amount of ground and paper work before the all clear
can be given, such as working out the number of nautical miles per leg, she says.
The most critical passage of travel will be from Kaitaia to Norfolk Island which is around 450 nautical miles.
Modifications to the aircraft need to be made to accommodate extra fuel tanks. Fuel is transferred either electrically
or can be done manually in case of electrical failure.
From Norfolk Island the helicopters will fly to Noumea and then on to Port Vila, a total of around 14 hours flying.
Garden City has been in operation for over 30 years and are experts in search and rescue operations.
A daily report will be available on the Vanuatu Helicopters Facebook page for updates
ENDS