GCH Aviation

GCH Aviation is a New Zealand helicopter and aviation group based at Christchurch Airport. Its website says it has operated for more than 43 years. Helicopters sit at the centre of most of its business, which also includes air ambulance, jet charter and an airport FBO. Its hangar at the head office carries the Garden City Helicopters name.

Services

• Scenic helicopter flights from Christchurch, Kaikoura, Wellington and the West Coast, including whale watching, alpine and glacier landings, and Aoraki Mount Cook flights
• Charters: hunting, weddings, conferences and luxury lodge transfers
• Commercial operations: industrial lifting, inspections, surveys, orchard and vineyard support, firefighting and aerial sluicing
• Air rescue and air ambulance for Canterbury, the West Coast, Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough
• Helicopter pilot training

Jet charter and FBO

GCH also operates two Bombardier Challenger 604 jets, carrying up to 10 passengers with a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles. The GCH Jet Centre at Christchurch Airport provides 24 hour service, ground handling and hangarage. Its fixed wing air ambulance service operates as the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service.

Partners and standards

Rescue partners named on the site include the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust, district health boards and the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre. The site cites Qualmark Gold accreditation.

Company facts

• Head office: 73 Grays Road, Yaldhurst, Christchurch Airport
• Kaikoura base: 16 West End, Kaikoura 7300
• Wellington base: Shed 6, Queens Wharf
• West Coast base: 64 Water Walk Road, Greymouth
• Free phone in New Zealand: 0800 359 424