NEWS | US CareFlite State of Texas

CareFlite Phases Out Bell 429 for H145D3 Upgrade


Texas air ambulance provider CareFlite will receive two Airbus H145D3 helicopters from Rotortrade to replace Bell 429 aircraft as part of a fleet upgrade program.

CareFlite’s two Bell 429 EMS helicopters were accepted as trade-in assets and leased back to the operator until the new helicopters enter operational service.





CareFlite Phases Out Bell 429 for H145D3 Upgrade
Rotortrade, March 18, 2026 - Atlanta GA – Rotortrade, the global helicopter dealership, announces the successful signing of a transaction for two Airbus H145D3 helicopters with Dallas-based EMS operator CareFlite.

The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in April 2026, with entry into service expected in September. The two 2024-built H145D3 helicopters are configured for emergency medical services with Airbus Air Ambulance Technology (AAT) interiors and are designed to support advanced EMS operations including scene response, interfacility transport, and NVG missions.

Based in Dallas, CareFlite is one of the leading emergency medical service providers in the United States, delivering critical air and ground medical transport across North Texas.

The transaction represents a major fleet upgrade for CareFlite and marks Rotortrade’s second significant sale to a well-established U.S. EMS operator.

A key component of the project was Rotortrade’s ability to structure a trade-in and interim fleet solution. As part of the agreement, CareFlite’s two Bell 429 EMS helicopters were accepted as trade-in assets and leased back to the operator until the new H145D3 helicopters enter operational service.

Rotortrade also coordinated the technical and logistical aspects of the transaction through its global maintenance network. Rotortrade MRO Tallard (France) and Rotortrade MRO Latrobe (USA) supported the project by coordinating aircraft export and import procedures as well as conducting the pre-purchase inspections of the H145D3 helicopters. The aircraft acquisition was structured through Insured Aircraft Title Services (IATS), with CareFlite managing its own financing.

Philippe Lubrano, CEO of Rotortrade, said “This transaction demonstrates the value of strong industry relationships, market awareness, and disciplined coordination across multiple stakeholders. By combining aircraft sales, asset trade-ins, interim leasing, and technical support through our global MRO network, Rotortrade was able to structure a solution that supports CareFlite’s fleet modernization while maintaining uninterrupted operational capability.”

The helicopters will be transported under Rotortrade’s supervision to the Rotortrade MRO Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where final preparation and logistics will be coordinated prior to delivery to CareFlite.





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  See also


US CareFlite State of Texas
Air Medical Ambulance Services
H145D3 in SG Rotortrade Services
US MRO Latrobe Rotortrade Services
FR MRO Tallard Rotortrade Services





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