The Canadian city of Winnipeg is mulling a proposal to replace its aging Airbus H120 helicopter with a leased H125.
City council is being asked to consider a lease-to-own agreement with Eagle Copters that would cost about C$13.5 million over 15 years, with monthly payments of about $75,000.
“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,” said city officials in a report.
“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.”
The city’s H120 helicopter is 14 years old and will be due for a scheduled overhaul of major components in 2027, officials said. They see the H125 as an upgrade in police capability and long-term reliability.
“The worldwide adoption of the H125 also translates to more readily available replacement parts throughout its projected lifespan,” officials said. Additionally, the imaging system acquired by the WPS [Winnipeg Police Service] in 2023 is compatible with the Airbus H125, reducing further capital outlay requirements.”
Costs associated with the proposed H125 lease are included in the police service’s 2025-2028 budget, which is pending adoption by city council.
Officials expect it would take 18 to 24 months to customize the H125 with police equipment before it’s ready to enter service. The expected delivery date would be mid-to-late 2026, if the city places an order in the first quarter of this year, officials said.
“This would coincide with a scheduled replacement of major time-limited components on the aircraft, making now a strategically-sound time for the City to initiate the replacement order,” officials said.
Winnipeg’s Flight Operations Unit formed in 2010 and began operational flights with its H120, often referred to buy its call sign “Air 1,” in February 2011.
The H125 would be faster than the H120, with a cruising speed of 136 knots, and would increase flight endurance by approximately two hours.
Several other Canadian police forces fly the H125, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and city police units in Calgary, Edmonton and York Regional Police in southern Ontario.
“ Looking forward, the Airbus H125 will offer a strong and reliable platform for the FOU to deliver reliable air support into the next two decades.”
The mayor’s executive Executive Policy Committee is set to review the matter in a January 21 meeting.