Winnipeg police looking for Air 1 replacement [Video]

The Winnipeg Police Service is looking for a new helicopter to replace the current aircraft, which has been in service for 15 years.

Superintendent Brian Miln says the helicopter is at its end of life and getting parts for the chopper is getting more difficult and can take six to 12 months to procure them, and in some cases even longer.

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“We simply don’t want to get into that position where we have a substantial part failure and now the machine is grounded for six months, eight months, 12 months, or further,” said Miln.

But instead of buying a new one off the hop, the police service wants to enter into a lease-to-own deal, where the service could have the option to purchase it down the road.

Miln says buying a helicopter upfront is very …