This framework contract solidifies the initial agreement announced at last year’s Verticon, where ÖAMTC Flugrettung was presented as a launch customer and development partner of the new H140 helicopter.
Marco Trefanitz, CEO of ÖAMTC Flugrettung, said “For ÖAMTC Flugrettung, staying at the cutting edge is a necessity, not an option. We are proud to have contributed our operational expertise directly into the design of the H140, ensuring it meets the real-world needs of emergency medical services and of our crews and patients. This helicopter allows us to enter a new dimension of care. With its increased performance and space, this helicopter will be beneficial for those who use it every day. Our involvement in developing this new aircraft allowed us to create our own best-in-class medical interior. We are now better equipped than ever to navigate the challenges of the Austrian landscape and save lives.”
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said “For over 40 years, Airbus and ÖAMTC Flugrettung have shared a mission to save lives. We are deeply grateful for their continued trust in our helicopters and services. We look forward to seeing the H140 take flight in its iconic yellow livery, setting new standards for emergency care in Austria.”
ÖAMTC Flugrettung operates 31 H135 helicopters from 18 permanent bases, one intensive care helicopter and four additional winter bases in Austria. Last year, the operator flew more than 22,000 missions, with an average of 61 missions per day.
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.
ADAC Luftrettung and Airbus sign framework contract for H135, H140 and H145 helicopters
ADAC Luftrettung, one of Europe’s biggest Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operators, and Airbus Helicopters have announced the signature of a strategic long-term framework contract for Airbus H135, H140 and H145 helicopters.
This framework contract solidifies the initial agreement announced at last year’s Verticon, where ADAC Luftrettung was presented as a launch customer and development partner of the new H140 helicopter.
Frédéric Bruder, CEO of the nonprofit ADAC Luftrettung, said “By investing in these new aircraft, we are deliberately embracing state-of-the-art flight technology that will significantly enhance our airborne emergency medical care over the long term. A diversified fleet with different helicopter types enables us to respond optimally to the specific operational requirements of emergency medical services. And with these aircraft, we are fully capable of performing rescue missions at any time - around the clock and even in darkness. This framework agreement ensures that patient and flight safety - our absolute top priorities - will continue to remain at the highest possible level in the future. And we will achieve this in a needs-based manner, with lower fuel consumption and greater cost efficiency.”
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said “We are proud to continue our decades-long partnership with ADAC Luftrettung as they lead the way into the future of air rescue. By integrating the H135, H145, and our newest 3-tonne class H140 into their fleet, ADAC Luftrettung is ensuring maximum versatility and efficiency. This framework contract underscores our shared mission to provide crews with the quietest, safest, and most technologically advanced tools to deliver life-saving care and support for those in critical need every single day.”
ADAC Luftrettung, one of the biggest HEMS operators in Europe, uses 60 Airbus helicopters from their 37 stations. In 2025, the EMS operator responded to around 50,000 often life-saving missions.
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-engined 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 the emergency medical services, passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. The entry into service of the helicopter is planned in 2028 for the emergency medical services segment.
The H135 is the market leader in HEMS worldwide, followed by the H145. Both helicopters are equipped with Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite, enhancing complementarity and enabling an almost seamless transition from one type to another, while its features increase safety and reduce pilot workload. Their particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H135 and the H145 the quietest helicopters in their class, while their CO2 emissions are the lowest amongst their direct competitors.
Airbus Helicopters is the leading provider of helicopters to the air medical transport industry, providing 54% of the 2,900 EMS helicopters flying in the world today.
See also |
ADAC Luftrettung ADAC Air Rescue 
Air Medical Ambulance Services EC135/H135 in
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH H140 in
ÖAMTC 
