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

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)