SAF Helicopteres has selected a Leonardo AW109 Trekker light twin engine helicopter to support EMS operations from Rouen Hospital in Normandy, France. The aircraft, with a customised EMS interior, is expected be delivered by the end of 2020 from Leonardo's Vergiate final assembly line in Italy.

SAF chose the AW109 Trekker following a thorough and rigorous tender process. The contract award marks the entrance of the Leonardo light twin into the French civil helicopter market and follows the success of the AW109 Power and Grand for EMS tasks in the country.

CEO Tristan Serretta says: “We're proud to be the future supplier of helicopter EMS operations from Rouen Hospital. As a helicopter operator, we're always looking at proposing high-end economically-viable solutions to our customers. The team here is excited to introduce the Leonardo AW109 Trekker into SAF's fleet. The region will benefit from our solid expertise and experience of HEMS combined with the exceptional capabilities in terms of EMS interior, performance, advanced avionics and safety standards of the Trekker. We look forward to starting operations supporting the local community.”