DRF Luftrettung has taken over all shares in Northern Helicopter (NHC), an air rescue company based in Emden, Germany. The change in ownership will not impact the autonomy of NHC and its service portfolio. As a provider of ambulance flights and subsidiary deployment in air and water rescue, and as an experienced company in offshore rescue and in passenger transport to wind farms, NHC will continue to be a port of call for the people in the North and Baltic Sea region, on the eastern and northern Frisian Islands and on the Hallig Islands.

“It is important for us to use synergies in order to provide patients who need our help with professional and best-in-class medical care and sustainably secure the important contribution of Northern Helicopter to the wellbeing of the people living in the coastal area,” says DRF chairman and new accountable manager of NHC Peter Huber. “Furthermore, the takeover expands our competences and service portfolio, adding further fields of expertise in the area of offshore rescue and the deployment of ambulance helicopters.”

NHC director Armin Ortmann adds: “Especially with regard to the strong medical expertise, excellent flight operations, professional equipment and maintenance of the helicopters, and staff training, advanced training and further education, DRF Luftrettung and NHC have a lot in common. Both air rescuers will benefit from the synergies.”

Fellow NHC director Christian Müller-Ramcke sees many advantages in the takeover: “Even as a wholly-owned subsidiary of DRF Luftrettung, NHC will be able to retain its flexibility. At the same time, we are now in a position to align our services even more consistently and focus on the specific needs of the coastal region in offshore, air and water rescue.”