Airbus said Monday that European aerial emergency services operator Avincis has signed a contract for up to 15 H145 helicopters, which will be deployed across several European countries to strengthen emergency medical and offshore transportation operations.

The agreement will see the new helicopters integrated into Avincis' network in the Nordic countries, Italy, and Spain, supporting Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) and other specialised missions, including offshore energy transportation, according to an Airbus press release issued on Monday.

Avincis, Europe's largest emergency aerial services operator, will use the aircraft as part of its fleet modernisation strategy aimed at enhancing operational capabilities across its European territories.

"The H145 is the ideal platform for our mission-critical operations, providing the reliability and performance required to save lives and protect communities in the most challenging environments," Avincis Group Chief Executive John Boag said in a statement.

He said the additional helicopters would ensure that crews have access to advanced technology to continue delivering emergency response services and offshore transportation across Europe.

Airbus Helicopters Chief Executive Matthieu Louvot said the agreement highlighted the aircraft's versatility in performing a range of missions.

"This agreement underscores the versatility of the H145 as a multi-mission powerhouse, capable of transitioning seamlessly from life-saving EMS duties to the demanding requirements of offshore wind and energy transport," Louvot said.

The H145 is a twin-engine light helicopter widely used for emergency medical services, law enforcement, search-and-rescue operations and energy sector transport. Airbus said more than 1,800 helicopters from the H145 family are currently in service worldwide, accumulating more than 8.5 million flight hours.

The helicopter is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and features a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system and Airbus' Helionix digital avionics suite, including a four-axis autopilot designed to reduce pilot workload and improve operational safety.

Airbus also said the H145 has one of the lowest carbon dioxide emission levels among helicopters in its category and is the quietest in its class, attributes increasingly valued by operators facing stricter environmental requirements.

Avincis operates a fleet of more than 220 aircraft and employs over 2,400 personnel, including pilots, technicians, and aircrew. The company has bases in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, alongside operations in Mozambique and Chile.

The latest order reflects continued demand for versatile rotorcraft as European emergency services providers expand capabilities to meet growing healthcare, environmental protection, and offshore energy support requirements.

Source: PR