Airbus H145 Helicopters Join Norwegian Air Ambulance Fleet
The Norwegian Air Ambulance and Airbus have signed a contract framework for up to eight helicopters, which includes the firm purchase of two helicopters.
“We are honoured to open yet another chapter with the Norwegian Air Ambulance, providing up to eight H145 helicopters under this new frame contract,” said Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters.
“The H145’s global reputation in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services, combined with its class-leading low acoustic footprint, CO2 emissions and operating costs, ensures it’s the ideal choice for continued life-saving missions with the Norwegian Air Ambulance.”
“The Norwegian Air Ambulance has just been chosen again by Norway as the helicopter emergency medical services provider in the country,” said Leif Olstad, CEO of the Norwegian Air Ambulance.
“With its size and capabilities, the H145 has proven well-suited for the Norwegian service, making it a natural choice.”
Norwegian Air Ambulance currently operates all HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) bases in Norway, primarily utilizing a fleet of 20 Airbus helicopters, including models H135 and H145. The organization’s parent company, the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, was the first in the world to receive a five-bladed H145 in 2020.
The latest version of Airbus’ best-selling helicopter, the light twin-engine H145, features an innovative five-bladed rotor that enhances the aircraft’s multi-mission capabilities by increasing its useful load by 150 kilograms. The new bearingless main rotor design simplifies maintenance operations, thereby improving the helicopter’s overall serviceability and reliability. Additionally, this design enhances ride comfort for both passengers and crew.
There are over 1,750 H145 family helicopters currently in service, collectively logging more than eight million flight hours. These helicopters are powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and feature full authority digital engine control (FADEC) along with the Helionix digital avionics suite. This includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, which enhances safety and reduces pilot workload. Notably, the H145 has a particularly low acoustic footprint, making it the quietest helicopter in its class, and it boasts the lowest CO2 emissions among its competitors.
Airbus Helicopters is the leading provider of helicopters for the air medical transport industry, supplying 54% of the 2,900 EMS helicopters currently operational worldwide.
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