German HEMS operator DRF Luftrettung and Airbus Helicopters have announced a new order for four H145 helicopters. This latest agreement underscores the long-standing partnership between the two organisations and their shared commitment to advancing air rescue capabilities.

“It is our mission to ensure optimal care for the benefit of our patients at all times. With the addition of four more H145s, we are strengthening our position as the operator of one of the largest H145 fleets in Europe and at the same time creating the conditions to position ourselves for the future. In addition, last year we took another important step towards being able to respond quickly and effectively to developments in the rescue service by deciding on the H140 and ordering 10 new aircraft. This provides our crews with a fleet that enables them to save lives every day under the best possible conditions,” says Krystian Pracz, CEO of DRF Luftrettung.

“The continued expansion of the DRF Luftrettung fleet is a powerful testament to the deep-rooted trust and the close partnership we have built over decades of shared commitment to air rescue. We are immensely proud that our helicopters serve as reliable tools for their highly skilled crews, contributing every day to the vital mission of saving lives across Europe,” adds Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

DRF Luftrettung is one of the largest and most experienced air rescue organisations in Europe. The organisation and its subsidiaries operate more than 50 Airbus H135 and H145 helicopters at 32 bases in Germany for emergency rescue and intensive care transport operations. In addition to this, they are also deployed for special missions, including hoist operations, and day and night operations.

In total, there are more than 1,800 H145 family helicopters in service, logging a total of more than 8.5 million flight hours. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with FADEC and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance four-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class, while its CO2 emissions are the lowest amongst its competitors.