Croatian helicopter operator Helikopterska Kompanija (HIKO) has ordered two Eurocopter EC145 medium twin-turbine helicopters. Delivery of the first machine is scheduled for the end of May. The aircraft will be used for search and rescue, medical evacuation, border patrol and firefighting, as well as passenger and cargo transport. HIKO also plans to buy a secondhand BK117 from the European airframer. HIKO says it will establish a 10-strong helicopter fleet based on EC130s and EC145s, as well as a network of facilities around the country, if the Croatian government issues a tender, as expected, for national helicopter services to support the country's civil requirements.
Source: Flight International
