Seven new aircraft for NPAS fleet
Airbus Helicopters UK has been awarded a contract to supply seven new H135 helicopters as part of a national air support fleet replacement programme.
The National Strategic Board, which governs NPAS, has worked in partnership with BlueLight Commercial, the National Police Air Service, the Home Office, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, to secure this strategic investment.
State-of-the-art aircraft will replace older models and will provide NPAS with enhanced operational capability and technology, ensuring that the service remains fit for the future.
They will play a critical role in continuing to support policing across England and Wales, saving lives, tackling criminality and keeping people safe.
NPAS is delivered by West Yorkshire Police and currently operates a fleet of twenty helicopters plus four aeroplanes.
John Robins QPM DL, Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, said: “The NPAS project team has been working closely with our partners at BlueLight Commercial, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Home Office to secure this strategic investment and award the contract.
“With over 100 calls for air support each day, the National Police Air Service plays a unique and valuable role in policing.
“The aircraft we currently operate were transferred to NPAS from individual police forces when the national service was formed over 13 years ago.
“We very much look forward to working on this exciting project and anticipate receiving the first of our seven new aircraft into service in 2027.”
Lianne Deeming, Chief Executive Officer of BlueLight Commercial said: “This is the culmination of a meticulous three-year collaborative procurement process, involving detailed technical and financial evaluations, which were conducted to ensure investment in advanced technology and innovation, whilst also delivering value for money for the taxpayer."
Richard Atack, Interim Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters UK said: “We are extremely proud to have been the sole provider of NPAS’ helicopters since its formation and we greatly appreciate the continued confidence it is showing by awarding Airbus Helicopters its first fleet renewal contract. It is a great honour for us to continue playing this critical role in the nation’s security.”
