Our Fleet
Our fleet consists of five helicopters and a Piper Navajo fixed-wing aircraft, each selected to support the diverse range of tourism and commercial operations we offer. The fleet includes two AS350 SD2 helicopters, two Hughes 500 helicopters, our flagship AS355 NP Twin Squirrel, and the Piper Navajo.
AS355 NP
Manufactured by Airbus Helicopters, the AS355 NP is a twin-engine aircraft designed to deliver exceptional performance, comfort and versatility. Powered by two Turbomeca Arrius 1A1 engines, it offers outstanding reliability.
The only twin-engine helicopter permanently based in New Zealand’s Central North Island, the AS355 NP features a brand-new interior, forward-facing seating and Bose noise-cancelling headsets. The aircraft accommodates up to five passengers, with four seats in the rear and one beside the pilot.
Purpose-built for luxury tourism and executive charter, the AS355 NP is equally suited to commercial operations, including aerial filming, firefighting, search and rescue, and lifting work. Combining comfort, capability and performance, it is Escape Aviation’s flagship aircraft.
AS350 (SD2)
Our two AS350 Squirrel helicopters are exceptionally versatile aircraft, each configured to accommodate up to five passengers and capable of supporting both luxury tourism experiences and commercial operations. Fitted with carpets, comfortable seating and David Clark headsets, they provide a premium charter experience, while one aircraft has recently undergone a full interior refurbishment, making it particularly well suited to high-end charter work.
Beyond scenic flights and private charters, the AS350 is also utilised for a range of adventure experiences, including heli-biking and heli-hiking, thanks to its outstanding performance and adaptability in New Zealand’s remote environments.
H500 (D&E)
Our Hughes 500 helicopters are primarily used to transport hunters and anglers into some of New Zealand’s most remote backcountry locations. Renowned for their agility, compact size and exceptional performance, they are ideally suited to operating in confined landing areas and rugged terrain, making them the perfect aircraft for accessing remote rivers, alpine valleys and hard-to-reach destinations.
Piper Navajo
Our Piper Navajo is a twin engine fixed-wing aircraft designed for private charter experiences throughout New Zealand. Combining comfort, reliability and impressive range, the aircraft allows guests to travel efficiently between destinations.
Configured to accommodate up to five passengers, with the option for a sixth passenger to sit alongside the pilot subject to weight restrictions, the Piper Navajo is ideally suited to luxury transfers, multi-day itineraries and bespoke adventures.
The aircraft is also capable of operating into private and remote airstrips, including destinations such as Poronui Lodge and Flockhill, providing seamless access to some of New Zealand’s most exclusive properties.