AMS, a non-profit organization celebrating nearly 60 years of lifesaving service in the emergency medical services (EMS) sector, continues to expand and upgrade its capabilities while reinforcing its long-standing partnership with Rotortrade.
These latest achievements reflect a relationship built on trust, with AMS relying on Rotortrade for fleet renewal, technical project management, and remarketing support. The two AW119 transactions — involving one AW119 Ke and one AW119 KX — highlight Rotortrade’s ability to leverage its global network across Asia, Africa, and Latin America to support mission-critical operators.
The first project involved the successful remarketing and placement of an AW119 Ke previously operated by AMS. The process was completed within a short timeframe thanks to seamless coordination between the AMS and Rotortrade teams. The second project focused on sourcing and preparing an AW119 Kx tailored to AMS’s operational requirements. The helicopter completed its technical works, including a hot section inspection with Pratt & Whitney, before being shipped to South Africa and is scheduled to enter EMS service in Q1 2026.
Aurélien Blanc, Rotortrade VP & Head of Regional APAC & MEA, said “These two AW119 transactions perfectly illustrate the strength of our partnership with AMS. Every aircraft we support for AMS contributes directly to saving lives. The teamwork, trust, and shared mission make this collaboration especially meaningful.”
Marcello Corrado Salati, Rotortrade Deputy Head of Region APAC, responsible for South Africa, said “We are proud to support AMS in their fleet modernization as they continue their extraordinary lifesaving mission across South Africa. We look forward to standing by AMS in the long term as their operations evolve. Our sincere thanks go to Mr. Farhaad Haffeejee, CEO of AMS, for his trust and continued confidence in Rotortrade.”
Farhaad Haffejee, CEO of AMS, said "The modernization of our fleet is not only an operational milestone., It is an investment in the safety and well-being of the communities we serve. Our partnership with Rotortrade demonstrates the value of working with a team that understands the urgency and complexity of emergency aero-medical services. The aircraft strengthens our ability to reach patients faster, operate efficiently, and deliver equitable healthcare across some of South Africa’s most remote regions.”
For AMS, these projects represent significant progress in their long-term strategy to expand and modernize a fleet dedicated to EMS and outreach operations across South Africa. For Rotortrade, they mark another step in strengthening its presence in Africa.
As part of its strategic roadmap, Rotortrade plans to open a representative office in Southern Africa in 2026 to further support EMS operators, commercial providers, and government agencies. These AW119 projects reaffirm Rotortrade’s position as the trusted global leader in pre-owned helicopter solutions, showcasing its operational expertise, international reach, and commitment to partnerships that directly enhance lifesaving aviation capabilities.
SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS)
The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) is a non-profit aero-medical rescue organisation dedicated to strengthening South Africa’s national health system through the provision of air ambulance, rescue, and rural health outreach services.
Operating since 1966, the AMS has grown into a comprehensive aero-medical service with a unique service delivery model, utilising volunteers, professionals, strong partnerships with the Departments of Health, not-for-profit organisations, and the private sector to facilitate access to appropriate healthcare services for both the critically ill or injured persons and those requiring specialist medical expertise, especially from remote rural communities. Over the decades, AMS has grown into a comprehensive aero-medical service with a unique and proven delivery model.
By leveraging a combination of volunteers, skilled medical and aviation professionals, and strong partnerships with Provincial Departments of Health, not-for-profit organisations, and the private sector, AMS provides critical care and specialist medical expertise to both urban and remote rural communities.
It remains the only aero-medical operator in Southern Africa offering a complete package of air-ambulance, rescue, and health outreach services, using a fleet of fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft. AMS works closely with Provincial Departments of Health and healthcare workers in communities to assess healthcare needs in target hospitals and peripheral communities to facilitate the implementation of appropriate healthcare programmes.
The AMS is committed to saving lives and changing lives. With operational bases in the Western Cape (Cape Town and Oudtshoorn), KwaZulu-Natal (Durban), and the Eastern Cape (East London, Gqeberha, and Mthatha), as well as supportive infrastructure in the Northern Cape, Free State, and Mpumalanga, that provides an air ambulance network, outreach, and emergency rescue services. It is the mission of the AMS to support state-run programmes. The AMS will innovatively render rural outreach programmes, clinical training, and development for stakeholders and emergency aero-medical/rescue services.
See also |
AW119Kx Koala in
Air Mercy Service 
Air Medical Ambulance Services 
Rotortrade Services 
