ADAC Luftrettung and ÖAMTC Flugrettung secure Airbus H140 helicopters to advance emergency air rescue

In a landmark agreement set to redefine emergency medical services (EMS) in Europe, ADAC Luftrettung and ÖAMTC Flugrettung have signed a deal with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of ten H140 helicopters. Each operator will integrate five of the newly unveiled H140 helicopters into their fleet, reinforcing their position as early adopters of Airbus’s latest light twin-engine rotorcraft. The announcement took place at VERTICON, a key event in the vertical lift industry, held in Dallas, Texas.

For ADAC Luftrettung, the agreement includes additional purchases of three H135 helicopters and one H145, highlighting its continued investment in air rescue modernization. The introduction of the H140 helicopter marks a major technological advancement, positioning it as a next-generation EMS helicopter designed for improved operational efficiency, patient care, and cost-effectiveness.

Why Is the H140 Helicopter a Game-Changer for EMS Operations?

The H140 helicopter represents Airbus’s latest innovation in air ambulance technology, offering a blend of enhanced performance, lower operational costs, and improved accessibility for medical personnel. Designed to complement Airbus’s light twin-engine helicopter portfolio, it is expected to redefine helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) when it enters service in 2028.

The H140 helicopter introduces a suite of improvements, including a T-shaped tail boom with an optimized Fenestron, which significantly reduces noise emissions, improving operational suitability in urban air rescue missions. The aircraft’s five-blade bearingless main rotor enhances aerodynamics and stability, while its Safran Arrius 2E engines, delivering 700 shaft horsepower (shp), provide greater lift capacity and operational range.

Beyond its technical specifications, the H140 helicopter focuses on crew and patient comfort, with a larger cabin, expanded window space for increased visibility, and a reconfigured layout for better patient access. The addition of large clamshell doors and a high tail boom allows for seamless patient loading, accommodating various stretcher types, including intensive care units and neonatal transport incubators.

How Are ADAC Luftrettung and ÖAMTC Flugrettung Shaping the Future of Air Rescue?

Both ADAC Luftrettung and ÖAMTC Flugrettung have played a pivotal role in shaping the development of the H140 helicopter, contributing insights from decades of air rescue experience.

ADAC Luftrettung, one of Europe’s largest HEMS operators, has been instrumental in shaping Airbus’s EC135 helicopter since the 1990s, refining its design for medical missions. With over 1.3 million EMS flights completed and 780,000 air rescue operations carried out, its collaboration with Airbus ensured that the H140 helicopter meets the rigorous demands of modern air rescue missions. The organization operates 60 Airbus helicopters from 38 air rescue stations, responding to 50,000 emergencies annually.

Similarly, ÖAMTC Flugrettung, Austria’s leading air rescue provider, has integrated technical expertise from Helikopter Air Transport GmbH to enhance the H140 helicopter’s operational safety and cost-effectiveness. The company runs 32 H135 helicopters across 18 permanent bases and four seasonal winter bases, completing over 22,000 air rescue missions in 2024, averaging 61 missions per day.

Their combined contributions have ensured that the H140 helicopter is tailored for complex medical evacuations, offering increased payload capacity, superior in-flight stability, and cutting-edge avionics for challenging rescue operations.

What Does the H140 Helicopter Mean for Airbus’s Market Strategy?

The introduction of the H140 helicopter strengthens Airbus’s position in the EMS helicopter market, particularly as demand for cost-effective and high-performance air ambulances continues to grow. Industry analysts anticipate that the H140 helicopter will be a competitive option for operators worldwide, especially in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region, where urban air mobility solutions are becoming increasingly essential.

Airbus Helicopters’ CEO emphasized the significance of the partnership with ADAC Luftrettung and ÖAMTC Flugrettung, highlighting their long-standing expertise in air rescue operations. The executive acknowledged their role in advancing the capabilities of the H140 helicopter, reinforcing the trust and collaboration that have defined Airbus’s EMS partnerships.

When Will the H140 Helicopter Enter Service?

The H140 helicopter is scheduled to enter service in 2028, with ADAC Luftrettung and ÖAMTC Flugrettung expected to be among the first operators to integrate it into their fleets. As testing and certification progress, Airbus anticipates broader adoption across emergency medical services, passenger transport, and private aviation markets.

For EMS operators, the H140 helicopter offers a versatile and cost-effective solution for critical care transport, reinforcing its role as the next generation of air ambulances. Its advanced design ensures that medical personnel can respond more efficiently to emergency scenarios, whether in urban, remote, or high-altitude rescue operations.

As the H140 helicopter moves closer to production, its impact on global EMS aviation is expected to be substantial, marking a new era of air rescue efficiency and innovation.