Airbus Helicopters, March 11, 2026 - Atlanta, GA – Air Transport Europe (ATE), a helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operator in Slovakia, and Airbus Helicopters have announced a contract for the purchase of one Airbus H135 and one Airbus H140 helicopter.
Milan Hoholik, CEO of Air Transport Europe, said “Our priority has always been to provide the highest standard of emergency medical care, which requires a fleet that is both versatile and technologically advanced. By integrating the Helionix equipped H135 and the H140 into our operations, we are embarking on a new level that will enhance our ability to reach patients in challenging environments and provide them with the best possible care”
Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters, said “We are honored to welcome Air Transport Europe as a new Airbus H140 customer and are proud that they have placed their trust in our helicopters for their essential HEMS operations in Slovakia and Czech Republic. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to excellence in air rescue, and we look forward to seeing our H135 and H140 helicopters contributing to saving lives and supporting ATE’s highly skilled crews in their daily missions”
Air Transport Europe is a highly experienced air rescue organisation, providing 24/7 HEMS services from seven bases across Slovakia and from two bases in the neighboring Czech Republic. With decades of expertise in emergency rescue and intensive care transport, ATE is a pioneer in the Central European region, often operating in demanding mountainous terrain where aircraft performance and reliability are paramount.
The H135 is the undisputed leader in the HEMS market, known for its high safety standards, compact footprint, and low sound levels. Equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite and a 4-axis autopilot, it offers an ideal platform for primary and secondary medical missions, providing a spacious and flexible cabin layout for medical crews and their equipment.
The H140 is the latest addition to Airbus Helicopters' portfolio. It was unveiled in March last year. The H140 raises the bar in the light twin-engine category for performance, cost-effectiveness, and passenger and crew comfort. It is a 3-tonne class rotorcraft that complements Airbus Helicopters' current light twin offering for emergency medical services (EMS), passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. The entry into service of the helicopter is planned in 2028 for the EMS segment.
The H140 features a wide range of innovations, including a new T-shaped tail boom with an optimised Fenestron that reduces sound levels, a five-blade bearingless main rotor, and new powerful Safran engines. The helicopter also features a larger cabin space, large windows and optimised cabin layout that can accommodate up to six passengers comfortably. Designed with accessibility in mind, thanks to the large clamshell doors and the high tail boom, the H140’s rear loading capabilities allow the use of different types of stretcher systems including intensive care ones and transport incubators while its large sliding doors facilitate access to the cabin.
Milan Hoholik, CEO of Air Transport Europe, said “Our priority has always been to provide the highest standard of emergency medical care, which requires a fleet that is both versatile and technologically advanced. By integrating the Helionix equipped H135 and the H140 into our operations, we are embarking on a new level that will enhance our ability to reach patients in challenging environments and provide them with the best possible care”
Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters, said “We are honored to welcome Air Transport Europe as a new Airbus H140 customer and are proud that they have placed their trust in our helicopters for their essential HEMS operations in Slovakia and Czech Republic. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to excellence in air rescue, and we look forward to seeing our H135 and H140 helicopters contributing to saving lives and supporting ATE’s highly skilled crews in their daily missions”
Air Transport Europe is a highly experienced air rescue organisation, providing 24/7 HEMS services from seven bases across Slovakia and from two bases in the neighboring Czech Republic. With decades of expertise in emergency rescue and intensive care transport, ATE is a pioneer in the Central European region, often operating in demanding mountainous terrain where aircraft performance and reliability are paramount.
The H135 is the undisputed leader in the HEMS market, known for its high safety standards, compact footprint, and low sound levels. Equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite and a 4-axis autopilot, it offers an ideal platform for primary and secondary medical missions, providing a spacious and flexible cabin layout for medical crews and their equipment.
The H140 is the latest addition to Airbus Helicopters' portfolio. It was unveiled in March last year. The H140 raises the bar in the light twin-engine category for performance, cost-effectiveness, and passenger and crew comfort. It is a 3-tonne class rotorcraft that complements Airbus Helicopters' current light twin offering for emergency medical services (EMS), passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. The entry into service of the helicopter is planned in 2028 for the EMS segment.
The H140 features a wide range of innovations, including a new T-shaped tail boom with an optimised Fenestron that reduces sound levels, a five-blade bearingless main rotor, and new powerful Safran engines. The helicopter also features a larger cabin space, large windows and optimised cabin layout that can accommodate up to six passengers comfortably. Designed with accessibility in mind, thanks to the large clamshell doors and the high tail boom, the H140’s rear loading capabilities allow the use of different types of stretcher systems including intensive care ones and transport incubators while its large sliding doors facilitate access to the cabin.
See also |
H140 in
Air Transport Europe Ltd 
Air Medical Ambulance Services 
