On the plateau of the headquarters of the Special Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Zenica-Doboj Canton in Lukovo polje in Zenica, a new Airbus AS350 helicopter, procured for the needs of civil protection, police and medical interventions, was promoted today.
The procurement of the helicopter was financed by the Government of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, and was realized through the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Transport and Communications and Environmental Protection of the ZDK. The helicopter is equipped with modern and advanced equipment, and is intended for firefighting, transport of people, emergency medical evacuation, as well as other interventions in inaccessible areas.
The promotion was attended by the prime minister of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, Nezir Pivić, the vice-chairman of the ZDK Assembly, Goran Bulajić, ministers in the ZDK Government, representatives in the Assembly, and representatives of the institutions involved in the implementation of the project.
Prime Minister Nezir Pivić pointed out that today’s event is special for the Zenica-Doboj Canton and that the acquisition of the helicopter is the result of the unity and responsible work of the ZDK Government.
– This Government pushes the boundaries and shows how, regardless of political differences, it is possible to work in the interests of the citizens. ZDK is the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the engine of its development, and this project is another proof of that. The helicopter has multiple purposes and represents our vision of a safer and more functional canton – said Prime Minister Pivić.
He emphasized that the procurement was realized in a short period of time, at a cost of around 8.2 million KM, which, he said, is significantly less compared to similar projects in the area.
– This is proof of the household’s attitude towards the budget. If this helicopter saves even one human life, we have fulfilled our mission – said the Prime Minister.
Vahid’s pilot Dino Mahmutović, who operated the helicopter from takeover to arrival in Zenica, explained that he was involved in the development of technical specifications and that only 11 months passed from the initial meeting to the realization of the project. He emphasized that procurement of helicopters in the area takes much longer.
He added that it is a light, single-engine multipurpose helicopter, whose power and performance enable it to land at any point in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even under full load.
– Airbus AS350 is the only helicopter that landed on Mount Everest, at 8,848 meters above sea level. That speaks volumes about his capabilities. This is the best helicopter in its class in the world – said Mahmutović, adding that it will be used for police tasks, rescues, medical transport and firefighting, and that it already has a built-in hook for a suspended load of up to 1,500 kilograms.
Director of the Cantonal Administration of Civil Protection ZDK Džavid Aličić stated that the forest fires from the previous year were a strong motive to start this project, with the aim of strengthening the capacity for prevention and response to natural disasters. He pointed out that the helicopter will be used for firefighting, rescue in inaccessible areas, transportation of seriously ill patients, and support to the MUP.
The Minister for Spatial Planning, Transport and Communications and Environmental Protection of ZDK Adnan Šabani emphasized that the project was implemented quickly and professionally, with the cooperation of the ZDK Government’s close team, and that the helicopter will not only be available to ZDK, but also to other cantons, especially for health and rescue interventions, especially in the area of central Bosnia.
ZDK Interior Minister Emir Vračo pointed out that this is a big day for the citizens of ZDK, and that the new helicopter will significantly improve the capacities of the police in protecting the lives and safety of citizens.
