Austria-based aeromedical operator ÖAMTC Air Rescue Service has taken delivery of a new helicopter, its 40th H135, from Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Donauwörth, Germany.

“This completes a key part of the modernisation of our fleet: at the end of 2020, we decided to purchase five helicopters of the latest H135 generation and secured the option for two more machines. We have now received the seventh machine; in total, we have invested almost 40 million euros in new aircraft and equipment,” says managing director Marco Trefanitz. “The new, more efficient helicopters replace older models that we have since sold and are part of our efforts to be there for patients around the clock.”

The youngest member of ÖAMTC Air Rescue Service’s Christophorus fleet was transferred to Innsbruck immediately after the handover. This is one of two locations of HeliAir, the in-house maintenance and design company of the ÖAMTC air rescue service. “Before the helicopter is actually used, our technicians will equip it with the necessary technical fittings and medical equipment. Kokon, the interior panelling developed by HeliAir, will also be installed in Innsbruck,” explains Trefanitz. “We expect this work to be completed in six weeks.” The helicopter will then be ready for use at locations with extended service hours or 24/7 operations.

Helicopters are very durable when they are well maintained. “HeliAir ensures that even our oldest models are still in top shape and perform their duties without any problems,” he continues. “Nevertheless, requirements have changed, and investing in new aircraft is a logical consequence.” The biggest advantages of the latest H135 are that it is significantly more powerful than its predecessors and is approved for instrument flight. Above all, it comes from the factory with the digital avionics suite Helionix and a four-axis autopilot.

Trefanitz continues: “All of this increases safety for our crews and also for patients, especially in the challenging environment for helicopters that we find in large parts of Austria. In addition, the modern technology supports our pilots even in difficult weather conditions and during missions at night, bringing us another step closer to our vision of saving lives day, night and regardless of the weather.”

It is a proven partnership; ÖAMTC air rescue has been using Airbus H135 helicopters since 1997. “A lot has happened in the 27 years that have passed since then. Until recently, for example, the idea that our crews would one day take off for their missions day and night was nothing more than a vision; today it is a reality at three of our locations,” Trefanitz adds. “Such large and small advances in our mission to always offer patients the best possible care are only possible with strong partners. Our thanks therefore go to Airbus Helicopters and its dedicated employees. In our long-standing partnership, there has always been room for innovation and mutual exchange at all levels.”