A helicopter will now be North District RCMP's eye in the sky, while its airplane will patrol the Southeast District RCMP's territory in an exchange of aircraft announced late last week.
Prior to the switch, Southeast District, based in Kelowna, had two helicopters but no airplane.
A lack of runways and the more remote destinations made the helicopter a better fit for the North District, according to RCMP. It can also be used to service the repeater sites that make up North District's radio communications system.
"It is important to note that the North District comprises 73 per cent of B.C.'s geographic area, so this realignment is simply a matter of common sense," said Nigel Bushe, Officer in Charge of E Division (B.C. RCMP) Air Services in a statement issued Friday.
North District RCMP Chief Superintendent Lesley Bain welcomed the move.
"It is a valuable asset that will further our efforts to protect and serve northern British Columbia," she said.
