Aircraft Upgrade The Helicopter Fleet Of Finnish Emergency Medical Services Provider SHT

The deliveries of four new EC135s to Skärgårdshavets Helikoptertjänst Ab (SHT) during the fourth quarter of 2012 is enabling this Finnish operator of emergency medical airlift services and air ambulance flights to modernize its helicopter fleet. These rotorcraft are replacing three older EC135s operated by SHT, bringing its total inventory to five of these twin-engine helicopters that are flown from bases across the country.

SHT is a well-established operator of Eurocopter rotorcraft, having logged 11,000 hours to date with its EC135s. The company began emergency medical airlift services and air ambulance flights in 1990 with a Bo 105 CB, which provided 15 years of loyal service. “Our EC135 delivery surge for SHT underscores Eurocopter's ability to support customers' needs through the timely supply of helicopters in meeting their schedules and operational requirements,” said Roman Seidel, the Head of the EC135 program at Eurocopter. “With SHT's record of reliability rates already in the 98 percent bracket, the new EC135s will further enhance its high-quality service.”

SHT locates one of its Eurocopter rotorcraft at helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) bases in Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere; and at a combined HEMS/air ambulance base in Mariehamn. Another helicopter is used for HEMS crew training and as a backup aircraft. In addition, SHT is a member of Eurocopter's Reliability Data Group, composed of customers who agree to regularly provide technical and operational data on their rotorcraft. This data enables the helicopter manufacturer further improve component reliability and boost serviceability for operators worldwide.

(Image provided by Eurocopter)

FMI: www.eurocopter.com