OAMTC Flugrettung and Airbus Helicopters have announced the signature of a strategic long-term framework contract for Airbus H135, H140 and H145 helicopters. This framework contract solidifies the initial agreement announced at last year's Verticon, where the Austrian air rescue service was presented as a launch customer and development partner of Airbus' new H140 helicopter.

“For OAMTC 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,” says Marco Trefanitz, CEO of OAMTC 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. Our involvement in developing this new aircraft allowed us to create our own best-in-class medical interior. We are now better equipped than ever to navigate the challenges of the Austrian landscape and save lives.”

“For over 40 years, Airbus and OAMTC Flugrettung have shared a mission to save lives. We are deeply grateful for its continued trust in our helicopters and services,” adds Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “We look forward to seeing the H140 take flight in its iconic yellow livery, setting new standards for emergency care in Austria.”

OAMTC Flugrettung operates 31 H135 helicopters from 18 permanent bases, one intensive care helicopter and four additional winter bases in Austria. Last year, the operator flew more than 22,000 missions, with an average of 61 missions per day.

The H140 is the latest addition to Airbus Helicopters' portfolio, having been unveiled in March last year. The H140 raises the bar in the light twin-engine category for performance, cost-effectiveness, and passenger and crew comfort. It is a three-tonne class rotorcraft that complements Airbus Helicopters' current light twin offering for EMS, passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. The entry into service of the helicopter is planned in 2028 for the EMS segment.

The H140 features a wide range of innovations, including a new T-shaped tail boom with an optimised Fenestron that reduces sound levels, a five-blade bearingless main rotor and new powerful Safran engines. The helicopter also features a larger cabin space, large windows and optimised cabin layout that can accommodate up to six passengers comfortably. Designed with accessibility in mind, thanks to the large clamshell doors and the high tail boom, the H140's rear loading capabilities allow the use of different types of stretcher systems including intensive care ones and transport incubators while its large sliding doors facilitate access to the cabin.

Airbus Helicopters is the leading provider of helicopters to the air medical transport industry, providing 54 per cent of the 2,900 EMS helicopters flying in the world today.

“Our patients must be able to rely on us being ready to take off at any time,” emphasises Trefanitz. “Long-term framework agreements provide us with the necessary planning security and ensure that our fleet remains technologically up-to-date. This allows us to reliably guarantee emergency air ambulance services in the future and fulfill our mission for the people of Austria.”