Airbus H145 Enters Philippine Coast Guard Service

MANILA: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commissioned into service one of its two new Airbus H145 light twin engine helicopters June 18. PCG Commandant Vice Admiral George Ursabia led the ceremony at the Coast Guard Aviation Force located at the Domestic Airport Complex here. The new helicopter is registered with tail number CGH-1452.

“It took us years to acquire CGH-1452 and by God’s grace, it is finally commissioned into Coast Guard service. As we utilise this asset in transporting PPE sets, medical supplies, and provisions to frontline workers, let us remain steadfast in praying for the organisation and the country during this time trying time.” VAdm Ursabia said during the commissioning ceremony.

With the current concern on public safety and health amid COVID-19 pandemic, he said, the PCG will utilise the helicopter to transport personal protective equipment sets and medical supplies in various cities and provinces across the country.

The two new H145 helicopters which cost PHP685 million ($13.6 million) each, is part of the PCG’s Light to Medium Multi-Purpose Twin Engine Helicopter Acquisition Project. They were ordered by the government in 2018 and delivered in the last quarter of 2019.

The four-tonne class helicopters are equipped with high-frequency radios, emergency floatation gear, fast roping, cargo sling, search lights, and electro-optical systems—equipment that will aid the PCG in performing various missions such as search and rescue, medical evacuation, maritime patrol, and maritime law enforcement. –aaa/mgm

Besides its core mission, the PCG will utilise the helicopters to transport PPEs and medical supplies across the country. (Photo: PCG)