Helicopter company Airbus enters agreement with DRF Luftrettung for the acquisition of ten H140 helicopters, according to a signed Letter of Intent.
The vertical lift industry was abuzz with excitement at VERTICON2025, as Airbus Helicopters unveiled their latest offering – the H140. This light twin-engine model, positioned between the H135 and H145 in Airbus' product lineup, is designed to revolutionise the emergency medical services (EMS) sector.
One of the biggest HEMS operators in Europe, DRF Luftrettung, was present at the event and expressed their interest in the new helicopter. In a significant move, they signed a Letter of Intent for the purchase of ten H140 helicopters, demonstrating their confidence in the model's capabilities for their emergency rescue fleet.
The H140 was developed in close collaboration with customers, including DRF Luftrettung, leveraging their extensive EMS expertise. This partnership spans over three decades, building on experience with earlier models like the EC135 and H145, contributing to a helicopter well-suited for air rescue and emergency missions.
Airbus promotes the H140 as a next-generation multi-mission helicopter that raises the benchmark in the light twin-engine category, particularly regarding performance and operating costs. It is designed to enhance passenger and crew comfort, a crucial factor for medical transport missions where patient care and crew efficiency are paramount.
The H140 features a five-blade bearingless main rotor, large clamshell doors, and a high tail boom, enhancing its rear loading capabilities for various stretcher systems and transport incubators. Its large windows and optimised cabin layout further contribute to its appeal for EMS missions.
Krystian Pracz, CEO of DRF Luftrettung, stated that operating the most modern helicopters available on the market is essential for them and their patients. The H140, with its larger cabin space and capacity to accommodate up to six passengers comfortably, seems to be a perfect fit for their needs.
Other prominent EMS operators like Global Medical Response (GMR), ÖAMTC Flugrettung (Austria), ADAC Luftrettung (Germany), and Metro Aviation (US) are also launch customers for the H140, signifying broad acceptance and anticipated operational benefit in air medical services.
Dirk Petry, Head of H135 and H140 programmes at Airbus Helicopters, stated that DRF Luftrettung's decision to sign the LoI for the H140 is a seal of approval on the product. Airbus Helicopters expressed pride in supporting DRF Luftrettung with their helicopters and services as they perform critical missions to save lives 365 days a year.
The entry into service of the H140 for the EMS segment is planned in 2028. With DRF Luftrettung on board, the H140 is set to make a significant impact in the EMS sector, offering improved performance, cost efficiency, and enhanced comfort, all key factors for delivering optimal patient care.
[1] Airbus Helicopters. (2025). H140. Retrieved from https://www.airbushelicopters.com/en/products/civilian-helicopters/h140.html
[2] Airbus Helicopters. (2025). H140: The Next-Generation Light Twin. Retrieved from https://www.airbushelicopters.com/en/products/civilian-helicopters/h140/h140-the-next-generation-light-twin.html
[3] Airbus Helicopters. (2025). DRF Luftrettung signs letter of intent for ten H140 helicopters. Retrieved from https://www.airbushelicopters.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025/07/drf-luftrettung-signs-letter-of-intent-for-ten-h140-helicopters.html
[4] Airbus Helicopters. (2025). H140: A Helicopter for All Missions. Retrieved from https://www.airbushelicopters.com/en/products/civilian-helicopters/h140/h140-a-helicopter-for-all-missions.html
- In the same year, prominent figures from the aerospace industry, finance, and technology sectors gathered at the VERTICON2025 event, showcasing their interest in the latest H140 model unveiled by Airbus Helicopters.
- Beyond the EMS sector, the advanced capabilities of the H140, such as its performance, cost efficiency, and enhanced comfort, are attracting attention from key players across industries, including finance, technology, and the aerospace sector.
