European Air Medical Operator Secures Next-Generation Helicopter Fleet Including New EMS Platform

Austria - ÖAMTC Flugrettung, Austria’s leading helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operator, has signed a long-term framework agreement with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of Airbus H135, H140 and H145 helicopters, strengthening its future fleet and operational capabilities.

• The framework agreement expands the collaboration between ÖAMTC Flugrettung and Airbus Helicopters, building on the partnership announced at Verticon where the Austrian operator was introduced as a launch customer and development partner for the new Airbus H140 helicopter.
• ÖAMTC Flugrettung contributed operational expertise to the development of the H140, helping shape the aircraft’s design to meet the needs of emergency medical service (EMS) missions.
• The agreement supports the operator’s long-term fleet strategy across multiple Airbus helicopter platforms including the H135, H140, and H145.
• ÖAMTC Flugrettung currently operates 31 Airbus H135 helicopters across 18 permanent bases, alongside one intensive care helicopter and four seasonal winter bases.
• In 2025 the operator conducted more than 22,000 missions, averaging approximately 61 missions per day, highlighting the scale of its emergency medical operations.
• The Airbus H140, unveiled in March 2025, is a 3-tonne class light twin-engine helicopter designed for emergency medical services, passenger transport, and private aviation markets.
• Entry into service of the H140 for the EMS segment is planned for 2028.
• Key features of the aircraft include:
• Five-blade bearingless main rotor
• New Safran engines
• Optimized Fenestron tail rotor with a T-shaped tail boom to reduce noise
• Larger cabin and improved accessibility through clamshell rear doors and large sliding doors

• The enhanced cabin design allows for multiple stretcher configurations, including intensive care stretchers and transport incubators, improving flexibility for medical missions.

Statements

• Marco Trefanitz, CEO of ÖAMTC Flugrettung: “For ÖAMTC Flugrettung, staying at the cutting edge is a necessity, not an option. We are proud to have contributed our operational expertise directly into the design of the H140, ensuring it meets the real-world needs of emergency medical services and of our crews and patients.”
• Marco Trefanitz, CEO of ÖAMTC Flugrettung: “This helicopter allows us to enter a new dimension of care. With its increased performance and space, this helicopter will be beneficial for those who use it every day.”
• Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters: “For over 40 years, Airbus and ÖAMTC Flugrettung have shared a mission to save lives. We are deeply grateful for their continued trust in our helicopters and services.”

Source: Airbus Helicopters