Connect with us

MRO & Manufacturing

ÖAMTC and Airbus Sign Long-Term Contract for H135 H140 H145 Helicopters

ÖAMTC Flugrettung and Airbus Helicopters finalize a contract for H135, H140, and H145 helicopters, enhancing Austrian HEMS capabilities and cross-border cooperation.

Published

on

This article is based on an official press release from Airbus Helicopters, supplemented by industry research reports.

At the Verticon 2026 trade show in Atlanta, Georgia, Austrian helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operator ÖAMTC Flugrettung and Airbus Helicopters finalized a strategic long-term framework contract. According to an official press release from Airbus, the agreement covers the acquisition of H135, H140, and H145 helicopters, securing ÖAMTC’s fleet modernization for the coming years.

This contract solidifies a letter of intent originally signed at last year’s Verticon in Dallas, officially cementing ÖAMTC as a launch customer and co-development partner for the new H140 light twin-engine helicopter. The Austrian operator currently relies heavily on Airbus rotorcraft, operating a fleet of 31 H135 helicopters across 18 permanent bases, one intensive care unit, and four winter bases.

We note that this agreement represents a significant milestone not only for Austrian air rescue but for the broader European HEMS market. It highlights an industry-wide shift toward highly capable, cost-efficient rotorcraft designed specifically to accommodate complex medical missions and heavier onboard equipment.

The H140: A User-Designed Leap in HEMS

Co-Development and Medical Capabilities

The H140, unveiled in March 2025, is Airbus’s first entirely new helicopter model developed in almost a decade. It is a 3-tonne class rotorcraft designed to bridge the capability and price gap between the entry-level H135 and the larger H145. Industry research details that the aircraft features a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) and is powered by twin Safran Arrius 2E turboshaft engines, each producing 700 shaft horsepower.

The Airbus press release highlights several key innovations, including a new T-shaped tail boom with an optimized Fenestron and a five-blade bearingless main rotor borrowed from the H145 to reduce vibration. Research reports indicate the T-tail design provides up to 80 kg (176 lbs) of additional lift in hover conditions. For medical crews, the cabin volume is approximately one cubic meter larger than the H135, featuring a completely flat floor and rear clamshell doors designed for the rapid loading of intensive care stretchers and transport incubators.

“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,” said Marco Trefanitz, CEO of ÖAMTC Flugrettung, in the company’s release.

Cross-Border Synergies and Fleet Economics

Harmonizing Operations

A unique aspect of the H140’s development is the unprecedented cross-border collaboration between operators. According to industry research, ÖAMTC Flugrettung and Germany’s ADAC Luftrettung, which has ordered 10 H140s, acted as joint development partners. Active flight rescue crews and technicians dictated the interior design, ensuring the aircraft meets real-world emergency medical needs.

This partnership extends beyond design. The two operators have harmonized their cockpit and cabin layouts, allowing for seamless interoperability.

“For the first time, a helicopter generation will have a uniform configuration regarding cockpit and cabin layout across organizations, a milestone in our cooperation,” noted Trefanitz regarding the partnership with ADAC Luftrettung, according to industry reports.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the H140 hits a critical “sweet spot” in the current HEMS market. Operators are increasingly tasked with complex missions requiring heavier medical equipment and more personnel, which push the payload limits of smaller helicopters. However, upgrading entirely to the medium-twin H145 significantly increases acquisition and direct maintenance costs. By offering approximately 70 kg (154 lbs) more useful payload than the H135, the H140 provides the necessary space for advanced care while maintaining direct maintenance costs comparable to lighter models. Furthermore, the harmonized fleet agreement between ÖAMTC and ADAC Luftrettung creates a shared spare-parts and backup-helicopter pool. This strategic move will likely save operational costs and improve emergency response times across Central Europe, setting a new standard for cross-border HEMS cooperation.

Airbus Leadership and Market Position

End of an Era for Bruno Even

The Airbus press release notes that the manufacturer is the leading provider of helicopters to the air medical transport industry, currently providing 54% of the 2,900 EMS helicopters flying worldwide. For ÖAMTC, which flew over 22,000 missions in 2025, averaging 61 missions per day, fleet reliability is paramount.

“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,” stated Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

Industry reports highlight that this contract signature serves as a capstone achievement for Even. After an eight-year tenure that saw record profits, including 544 gross orders and 392 deliveries in 2025, Even is scheduled to step down on April 1, 2026. He will be succeeded by Matthieu Louvot, the current Executive VP of Strategy for the wider Airbus group.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Airbus H140 enter service?

According to Airbus, entry into service for the EMS segment is planned for 2028, following European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification. Prototypes are currently undergoing flight testing out of Donauwörth, Germany.

What makes the H140 different from the H135?

The H140 is a larger, 3-tonne class helicopter that offers a cabin volume approximately one cubic meter larger than the H135. It features a five-blade main rotor, a new T-shaped tail boom for increased hover lift, and rear clamshell doors specifically designed for loading heavy medical equipment like transport incubators.

Sources:
Airbus Helicopters Press Release
Industry Research Report: ÖAMTC Flugrettung and Airbus Helicopters Strategic Framework Contract (March 12, 2026)

Photo Credit: Airbus

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

MRO & Manufacturing

Safran Nacelles Delivers 5000th A320neo Nacelle

Safran Nacelles hits 5,000 A320neo nacelles with 100% on-time delivery and plans to scale output to 1,000 units per year.

Published

on

Safran Nacelles has delivered its 5,000th nacelle for the Airbus A320neo program, maintaining a 100 percent on-time delivery rate as the manufacturer prepares to scale production to 1,000 units annually.

The milestone was celebrated on June 30, 2026, at Safran’s Colomiers facility near the Airbus final assembly line in Toulouse, France. According to a company press release, the achievement highlights the rapid production ramp-up required to support Airbus amid ongoing global Supply-Chain pressures.

Scaling production and supply chain performance

Safran Nacelles, working in conjunction with Middle River Aerostructure Systems, has insulated its A320neo nacelle output from broader industry bottlenecks. The company reported a flawless on-time Delivery record for the program to date, a metric it intends to protect as output increases.

What we are experiencing with the A320neo is unprecedented. This 5,000th Nacelle marks an important milestone and demonstrates the exceptional momentum of the programme. As demand continues to grow, we are preparing to produce up to 1,000 nacelles per year to support Airbus and Airlines around the world.

The statement from Safran Nacelles CEO Vincent Caro underscores the pressure on Tier 1 suppliers to match the pace of aircraft original equipment OEMs as they work through historic backlogs.

Airbus delivery targets and backlog pressure

The push for 1,000 nacelles per year aligns directly with Airbus’s aggressive production schedules. The European airframer is targeting 870 Commercial-Aircraft deliveries in 2026. Through the end of May 2026, Airbus had handed over 262 aircraft to 68 customers, including 81 deliveries in May alone.

The Airbus A320 family recently surpassed 20,000 total orders, cementing its status as a primary revenue driver for both Airbus and its supply chain partners. Fulfilling this backlog requires synchronized output across all major component providers, making nacelle availability a critical factor in final assembly.

AirPro News analysis

We view Safran’s 100 percent on-time delivery rate as a notable outlier in an aerospace supply chain otherwise defined by chronic delays and material shortages. Achieving a production rate of 1,000 nacelles annually will test the resilience of Safran’s sub-tier suppliers. If the company can maintain its delivery metrics at that volume, it will remove a critical potential chokepoint for Airbus as the airframer chases its 870-aircraft target for 2026.

Sources: Safran Group

Photo Credit: Safran Group

Continue Reading

MRO & Manufacturing

FTG Opens First India Facility in Hyderabad Aerospace Park

Firan Technology Group opened its Hyderabad facility on June 29, 2026, producing avionics and cockpit electronics for global OEMs.

Published

on

Firan Technology Group Corporation (FTG) officially opened its first Indian manufacturing facility on June 29, 2026, establishing a new production hub for cockpit and avionics components within the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park in Hyderabad.

Announced via a company press release, the FTG Aerospace Hyderabad facility culminates a three-year strategic effort to expand the Canadian manufacturer’s global footprint. The new site provides low-cost capacity to support Western demand for commercial and defense aerospace products while mitigating risks associated with restrictive trade policies in other global markets.

Strategic expansion and local integration

The customized Built-to-Suit unit was developed by GMR Hyderabad Aviation SEZ Limited (GHASL). It is situated within a 277-acre aerospace and industrial park, integrating FTG into an established airport-led ecosystem. The facility will focus on designing and manufacturing high-reliability printed circuit boards (PCBs), illuminated cockpit products, electronic assemblies, and cockpit interface electronics for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

In the press release, FTG President and CEO Brad Bourne described the opening as a strategic milestone for the company.

“GMR’s world-class Built-to-Suit infrastructure and integrated, airport-led ecosystem give us an ideal platform to deliver the high-reliability avionics and cockpit interface electronics our global OEM customers depend on,” Bourne stated.

Bourne also noted that significant work remains to fully operationalize the site. The company is currently focused on adding and training staff, securing necessary industry certifications, obtaining customer approvals, and ramping up production.

Aligning with domestic manufacturing initiatives

The Hyderabad operation brings FTG’s manufacturing presence to four countries, joining existing facilities in Canada, the United States, and China. The expansion aligns directly with the Indian government’s “Make in India” policy, positioning the company to serve both domestic defense requirements and international export markets.

Aman Kapoor, CEO of GMR Airport Land Development, stated that the launch marks a significant step in building a globally competitive aerospace manufacturing ecosystem in the region. Kapoor emphasized that FTG’s presence will strengthen domestic supply chains and advance indigenization efforts, further cementing Hyderabad as a primary hub for aerospace and industrial innovation.

AirPro News analysis

We view FTG’s expansion into India as a calculated hedge against ongoing geopolitical and trade friction. By establishing a secondary low-cost manufacturing base outside of China, FTG provides its Western aerospace and defense customers with a more resilient supply chain. The choice of Hyderabad specifically leverages an existing aerospace cluster, which should help accelerate the complex certification and approval processes required for aviation electronics production.

Sources: Firan Technology Group Corporation

Photo Credit: The Hindu

Continue Reading

MRO & Manufacturing

Embraer Acquires Full Ownership of EZ Air Interior

Embraer buys remaining 50% of EZ Air from Safran Cabin to secure E-Jet cabin supply ahead of a major production ramp-up.

Published

on

Embraer has taken full ownership of its interior components supplier, EZ Air Interior Limited, acquiring the remaining 50 percent stake from Safran Cabin on July 1, 2026, to secure its supply chain amid a major production ramp-up.

The transaction, announced in a company press release, gives the Brazilian aerospace manufacturers complete control over the production of critical cabin elements for its E-Jets family. The agreement also includes the integration of specific Safran Cabin operations located in Jacareí, Brazil, into Embraer’s manufacturing footprint.

Consolidating the cabin supply chain

Established in 2012 in Chihuahua, Mexico, EZ Air was originally formed as a joint venture between Embraer and C&D, a company that was later absorbed into Safran Cabin. The Chihuahua facility specializes in manufacturing essential interior components, including luggage bins, galleys, lavatories, and floor panels for commercial-aircraft.

Embraer President and Chief Executive Officer Francisco Gomes Neto stated the acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy to expand operations in both the short and long term, while continuously evaluating opportunities to create value for stakeholders.

“I would like to thank Safran Cabin for this successful long-term partnership and warmly welcome the new colleagues joining Embraer. Together, we will continue to deliver excellence driven by safety, quality, efficiency and sustainability,” Gomes Neto said.

Production targets and backlog pressures

Embraer is actively working to stabilize its supply-chain to meet a record firm order backlog, which reached $32.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026. The manufacturer is targeting an annual production rate of approximately 100 E-Jet aircraft by 2027 or 2028.

Securing full ownership of EZ Air mitigates execution risks as Embraer increases the output of its E175 and E2 family aircraft. By bringing the production of critical interior components entirely in-house, the company aims to insulate its final assembly lines from external supplier delays.

AirPro News analysis

We view this acquisition as a defensive vertical integration move typical of the current aerospace manufacturing environment. With global supply chains remaining fragile, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are increasingly bringing critical component production in-house to prevent bottlenecks. By taking full control of EZ Air, Embraer eliminates a potential single point of failure in its E-Jet assembly line, ensuring that cabin interior shortages do not derail its ambitious delivery targets over the next two years.

Sources: Embraer

Photo Credit: Embraer

Continue Reading
Every coffee directly supports the work behind the headlines.

Support AirPro News!

Advertisement

Follow Us

newsletter

Latest

Categories

Tags

Every coffee directly supports the work behind the headlines.

Support AirPro News!

Popular News