Airbus secures deal with ADAC Luftrettung and OAMTC Flugrettung for a fleet of ten H140 helicopters.
The H140, a new addition to Airbus Helicopters' light twin offering, is set to revolutionise the emergency medical services, passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. This 3-tonne class rotorcraft promises improved performance, cost-effectiveness, and unparalleled passenger and crew comfort.
The H140's spacious cabin, equipped with large windows and an optimised layout, can comfortably accommodate up to six passengers. Its large sliding doors facilitate easy access, designed with accessibility in mind. The helicopter's rear loading capabilities allow the use of various stretcher systems, including intensive care ones and transport incubators.
In a significant move, German and Austrian helicopter emergency medical services operators, ADAC Luftrettung and OAMTC Flugrettung, have agreed to purchase a total of ten H140 helicopters. Each operator will receive five units, marking them as the launch customers for this innovative helicopter.
ADAC Luftrettung, a long-standing partner of Airbus Helicopters, played a key role in the development of the EC135 helicopter in the 1990s and has been instrumental in establishing this helicopter as the backbone of modern air rescue in Germany and Europe. OAMTC Flugrettung, too, has contributed to the development of the H140, incorporating their operational expertise from daily air rescue missions.
The H140's innovative features, unveiled at the VERTICON 2025 event in Dallas, Texas, include a five-blade main rotor system, twin Safran Arrius 2E engines, each providing 700 shp, and an enhanced multi-mission capability. These features position the H140 as an advanced product in the light twin-engined category, aiming to offer improvements over previous models in terms of operational efficiency and passenger experience.
The H140's new T-shaped tail boom, optimised Fenestron, five-blade bearingless main rotor, and powerful Safran Arrius 2E 700 shp engines contribute to its improved flight performance while focusing on cost and comfort advantages.
In 2024, ADAC Luftrettung responded to around 50,000 life-saving missions, while OAMTC Flugrettung flew more than 22,000 missions last year, with an average of 61 missions per day. ADAC Luftrettung currently operates 60 Airbus helicopters from their 38 stations, while OAMTC Flugrettung operates 32 H135 helicopters from 18 permanent bases and 4 additional winter bases in Austria.
ADAC Luftrettung has conducted around 780,000 air rescue missions and transported hundreds of thousands of patients using H135 family helicopters. This new partnership with Airbus Helicopters and the introduction of the H140 are set to further enhance their life-saving capabilities.
In conclusion, the H140 is poised to redefine the light twin-engined helicopter category, offering significant improvements in performance, cost-effectiveness, and passenger and crew comfort. Its innovative features, coupled with the operational expertise of its launch customers, make the H140 a game-changer in the helicopter industry.
The procurement of ten H140 helicopters by ADAC Luftrettung and OAMTC Flugrettung, representing the German and Austrian helicopter emergency medical services, signifies a notable investment in the aerospace industry. This decision, motivated by the helicopter's innovative features, is anticipated to bolster both finance and technology sectors, as these operators will leverage the H140's advanced performance and unparalleled passenger comfort in their daily operations across the realms of emergency medical services, passenger transport, and private and business aviation.
