Kiwi Innovation Takes Flight: Three Members Showcase at HAC 2024
Three of our members are among the six New Zealand companies showcasing their innovative aviation solutions at the Helicopter Association of Canada (HAC) Annual Convention and Trade Show from October 29 to November 1, 2024, in Vancouver. This event, the largest annual gathering of the Canadian helicopter industry, provides an excellent platform for these companies to demonstrate their cutting-edge technology and expand their presence in the Canadian market.
“It is great to see a strong and growing presence of the New Zealand aviation industry at the HAC Annual Conference and Trade Show, demonstrating its increased commitment to the Canadian market,” said Rip Takhar, Commercial Advisor at New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, the New Zealand government’s international business development agency, which is hosting the New Zealand contingent attending HAC. “Our large contingent of aviation companies want to leverage the conference to foster meaningful partnerships and collaborations, and to use it as a platform for new product announcements, showcasing the cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions they can bring to Canada’s aviation needs.
New Zealand and Canada share a passion for helicopter operations – fueled by their similar landscapes and remote challenges – and a vision for aviation excellence. “We have much in common, and this provides a unique opportunity to collaborate, innovate and grow together in aviation,” said Mr. Takhar. “By sharing expertise and best practices, we can collectively drive advances in safety, sustainability and economic development, ultimately strengthening the bonds between our countries and our industries.”
A helicopter powerhouse
New Zealand has one of the highest per capita use of helicopters in the world, and its wider aviation industry is known for being internationally competitive with very high standards of quality and innovation.
“Our companies participating at HAC 2024 are growing rapidly and are keen to increase their international presence,” said Mr. Takhar. “All are already active in Canada and this event is an excellent opportunity for them to strengthen relationships with existing and new Canadian customers.”
Eye in the Sky recently received approval for its Cockpit Video, Audio & Flight Data Recorder by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Working with the International Validation Branch under the bilateral agreement with New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the cockpit video recorder has been awarded an Approved Model List (AML) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) certificate that can be used for multiple helicopter types. The small yet powerful device is an all-in-one unit consisting of a forward-facing HD camera mounted within the aircraft cabin. The device records a 160-degree HD image of the pilot control inputs, the view out the front window and importantly, flight data captured from the instrument cluster. It also records cockpit ambient noise, intercom and radio transmissions and GNSS data recording aircraft ground speed, altitude, heading and position.
Flightcell looks forward to growing its Canadian customer base and strengthening its relationships in the Canadian aviation through its offering of customizable Industry Solutions for mission-specific applications and offer Voice, Data and Tracking systems. The technology uses the most effective and lowest-cost protocols over cellular and satellite networks and a cockpit video, audio and flight data solution. “New on the market is our SATVOICE solution for long-range communication as a replacement for HF radio and the use of an Iridium Certus 100 terminal, providing reliable midband satellite data,” said Philip Hutchings, Key Account and Sales Manager.
Salus Aviation will take advantage of the 2024 HAC Convention to engage with the Canadian operators on ways of working together across their Safran engine module exchange program, fleet retirement and repurpose program and ongoing MRO and parts support to the region. “One year after launching our new brand at HAC, our business continues to grow and evolve and our team looks forward to catching up again with Canadian helicopter operators to discuss our extensive service offering and product portfolio,” said Greg Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer of Salus Aviation.
The company also recently announced the signing of a purchase agreement with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) for the acquisition of a H145//BK117 D-3 helicopter. This agreement marks a significant step in Salus Aviation’s fleet replacement program. More recently, the company appointed Brandy Ferguson as Vice President – Sales and Business Development – Americas. Brandy joins Salus Aviation at a pivotal moment as the company is currently entering a new phase of growth. Her primary responsibilities will include securing new business, building relationships with operators, enhancing Salus Aviation’s presence in the EMS sector through fleet disposal contracts and managing component and engine sales.
About:
About Eye in the Sky (booth # 606)
Eye In the Sky is the most cost-effective and high-quality aviation certified cockpit video, audio and flight data recorder on the market today. It records high-definition onboard video images of the cockpit view and instrument panel, performance parameters and primary flight controls. It also records cockpit ambient noise, intercom and radio transmissions and more. Eye in the Sky provides critical answers in the event of an incident, helping to ensure that lessons can be learned to prevent future occurrences. It also helps improve pilot skills and dramatically reduces operational and diagnostic costs. Thousands of helicopters and aircraft around the world are equipped with Eye in the Sky.
In 2023, Eye in the Sky received the Richard Pearse Award at the New Zealand Aviation Conference in recognition for its leadership and commitment to aviation safety. The company was also honoured by Airbus Civil Helicopter in 2022 with the inaugural Innovation in Rotary Safety Award. Proceeds from the sale
of Eye in the Sky go to the James PG Foundation, whose primary objectives are to provide education and career development opportunities for enterprising young adults and enhance aviation safety.
About Flightcell (booth # 308)
Setting quality standards since 2000, Flightcell is a global leader in aviation communication and recording systems, leveraging strong strategic relationships with aircraft manufacturers, industry partners and governments. Flightcell’s trusted products are highly configurable for operational requirements, with a focus on providing solutions to rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft that specialize in Aerial Firefighting, Air Medical, Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, Business Aviation, Oil and Gas and Military operations with numerous high-profile customers – such as the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, California Highway Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, CAL FIRE, Royal Flying Doctors, the U.S. Department of State and numerous agencies in the UK and Europe – with mission-critical cellular and satellite communication, data and aircraft tracking systems.
About Salus Aviation (booth # 502)
Salus Aviation is an industry-leading helicopter and fixed-wing aviation company, specializing in aircraft sales, leasing, maintenance, component and engine overhaul, blade repair, avionics, design and manufacturing, parts supply, aircraft repainting, and reconfigurations. With operations in New Zealand, the USA, and South Africa, Salus Aviation is positioned as a global leader in the aviation industry. Salus Aviation’s comprehensive range of capabilities, in-house expertise, world-class technology, and certifications distinguish it within the market
About New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the New Zealand government’s international business development agency. Our purpose is to grow companies internationally – bigger, better, faster – for the good of New Zealand.
NZTE uses its extensive knowledge and global networks to help exporters of all sizes make better decisions and connect to the right partners and investors. We connect international businesses and investors with high-value growth opportunities in New Zealand.
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Media contact: Nancy German
Primacom // nancygerman@primacom.ca // 514-924-4445