The York Regional Police Air Support Unit is proud to present its new state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with cutting-edge technology to help carry out the invaluable duties of Air2 and its patrol team, who travels the skies of York Region, assisting from above.

The new helicopter was presented to members of the Police Services Board (PSB), including Wayne Emmerson, PSB and Regional Chair, PSB Vice-Chair Steven Pellegrini, members of York Regional Council and the media at a launch at Buttonville Municipal Airport in Markham earlier today.

After proving its worth time and again, in 2022 the York Regional Police helicopter, known as Air2, hit its end-of-life milestone of 20 years of service and 20,000 operational hours. With the growth of our communities and changing dynamics of policing in Ontario, the York Regional Police Services Board approved a request from the York Regional Police Executive Command Team for the $7.1 million purchase of a replacement aircraft for Air2. This will provide the citizens and police officers of York Region with the best resources available to continue keeping our communities safe.

The newly acquired helicopter is an Airbus H125, the industry standard in policing, chosen for its agility, fuel range, power and speed. The Airbus H125 has been deployed in more than 200 police organizations across the world.

This top-notch aircraft comes outfitted with the latest in technology to help police officers work as efficiently and successfully as possible. With more than twice the power and endurance of its predecessor, the 900HP engine allows a maximum of 4.5 hours of flight time and requires less frequent maintenance. Its enhanced capabilities give it better takeoff performance and there is space for more members on board, such as emergency response or search and rescue units. It is equipped with high-visibility doors and night-vision features for improved operational performance and situational awareness. It also carries a camera sensor with forward-looking infrared technology, an augmented reality mapping system, a search light capable of operating in various lighting conditions, as well as a public address/siren system to communicate with people on the ground. Additionally, it has a video downlink system to provide police commanders with real-time livestream video of events.

Our Air Support Unit has a proud history with its helicopter.  Following a successful pilot project that began in 2000 with a donated Enstrom 480 aircraft, in 2002 the Police Services Board approved the purchase of a Eurocopter EC120. Since then, Air2 has significantly helped our officers keep the peace, protect life and property and catch criminals. In 2022 alone, Air2 supported 1,373 calls for service, assisted officers on 266 traffic stops and helped make 213 arrests, including for commercial robberies, carjackings, break and enters, impaired driving, street racing and other offences. Additionally, Air2 located 15 missing and vulnerable people.

“This excellent new aircraft, with its advanced abilities and technology, embodies our modern police service,” said Chief Jim MacSween. “An upgraded helicopter like this ensures that Air2 will continue to provide vital support to our officers and the communities we serve.