Eurocopter EC135
in UK Air Ambulances

The Eurocopter EC135 (now Airbus Helicopters H135) has been one of the most widely used helicopter types used by United Kingdom air ambulance charities since entering service in the early 2000s. Its spacious cabin, Fenestron enclosed tail rotor and twin-engine design made it particularly well suited to helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), offering improved safety, low noise levels and excellent access for medical crews through large rear clamshell doors. The EC135 rapidly replaced older helicopter types across England, Scotland and Wales, becoming the backbone of many charity-operated air ambulance services. Its compact size, reliability and ability to operate under instrument flight rules (IFR) have made it especially effective for responding to emergencies in urban environments, rural communities and remote areas, and it remains one of the most widely used HEMS helicopters in the United Kingdom today.