Avincis Orders 30 Aircraft Including 15 Airbus H145 Helicopters

Avincis has committed to a major fleet modernization program, signing contracts for up to 15 Airbus H145 helicopters as part of a broader 30-aircraft acquisition strategy aimed at bolstering emergency aerial services across Europe.

Announced in concurrent press releases on June 15, 2026, the orders secure a delivery pipeline stretching from 2028 to 2031. The new rotorcraft will support mission-critical operations, including Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), Search and Rescue (SAR), medical evacuation, and offshore energy transportation.

Expanding the European emergency response fleet

The agreement with Airbus Helicopters centers on the five-bladed H145 platform. The new units will be deployed across the operator’s European network, with a specific focus on strengthening operations in the Nordics, Italy, and Spain.

Avincis Group CEO John Boag described the H145 as the ideal platform for the company’s mission-critical operations. He stated the acquisition ensures crews have the necessary technology to deliver aerial emergency services and specialized offshore transportation across European territories.

Airbus Helicopters CEO Matthieu Louvot noted the platform’s versatility, highlighting its capability to transition from life-saving EMS duties to the demanding requirements of offshore wind and energy transport.

Broader acquisition strategy includes Leonardo rotorcraft

The remaining 15 aircraft in the acquisition strategy are Leonardo products, comprising five Leonardo AW139s and 10 Leonardo AW169s. This parallel order highlights a diversified approach to fleet replacement and expansion.

Avincis detailed that three of the newly ordered AW169s are designated for Sweden. These aircraft will service a 10-year joint HEMS contract awarded by Region Uppsala and Västra Götalandsregionen. The operator previously became the first globally to surpass 5,000 flying hours on the AW169 platform at the end of 2025.

Recent momentum for the Airbus H145 platform

The Avincis order follows a string of recent developments for the Airbus H145 program. On June 10, 2026, the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs ordered 12 multirole helicopters, which included five H145s alongside seven Airbus H160s.

Two days prior, Airbus Helicopters introduced the Airbus U145, an uncrewed variant of the platform, showcasing a full-scale mock-up at the ILA Berlin airshow.

AirPro News analysis

We note that Avincis is employing a diversified procurement strategy by splitting this 30-aircraft order evenly between Airbus and Leonardo. This dual-sourcing approach likely provides leverage in delivery negotiations and insulates the operator from localized supply chain disruptions at a single manufacturer.

Additionally, a minor discrepancy exists in the public accounting of the operator’s current scale. The Airbus announcement states Avincis operates more than 220 aircraft with a workforce of over 2,400 professionals. Conversely, Avincis reports its own fleet at approximately 210 aircraft, consisting of roughly 170 helicopters and 40 airplanes, supported by a team of more than 2,500. Such variations are common in corporate communications during periods of fleet transition and retirement, but they highlight the fluid nature of large-scale operational accounting.

Sources: Airbus Helicopters