To mark the occasions STARS invited 450 people to one of its hangars for a launch event. Besides the media and various dignities, past patients were also in attendance to sip on hot chocolate with marshmallows. Guests were eventually seated at tables decaled with info graphics that provided a history of STARS. A webcast of the event was set up for those who couldn’t attend in person.
Shortly after the formalities kicked-off with a welcome from Airbus Helicopter CEO Romain Trapp, representing the company that provided the new helicopters, a Skype call to STARS dispatch was shown on a large screen informing attendees that the new helicopter was 45 minutes away from landing on-site. That time was filled by tribute videos to past helicopters; a video of helicopter being built; and a video of the longest-serving STARS pilots telling stories of his many years of experience.
When the helicopter was close, the doors to the hangar opened, revealing the runway where the helicopter would eventually land. Two live percussionists, looped into a cinematic soundtrack, played as the chopper came to rest. The dignitaries on board, exited and walked through the hangar doors to provide celebratory speeches. Attendees were then invited to tour the new helicopter, officially known at the H145, where they sat inside and took “selfies".
